Stroke survivors are three times more likely to fall at home after having a stroke than the general population. 

Fall Prevention Techniques for Stroke Survivors

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
[https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2016/p0922-older-adult-falls.html] about 3
million people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries each year
and over 800,000 patients are admitted to the hospital with an injury secondary
to the fall (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for
Injury Prevention and Control. Web–based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting
System (WISQARS) [online]. Accessed August 5, 2016.)

Stroke survivors are three times more likely to fall at home after having a
stroke than the general population. Therefore it is very important for stroke
survivors to understand why they are at a higher risk for falling and how to
prevent a fall.

Why do stroke survivors have a higher chance of falling?

After having a stroke
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/stroke-exercises-for-each-stage-of-stroke-recovery] 
many people exhibit one or more of these symptoms which can lead to impaired
balance and falls:

• Increased dizziness
• Impaired or loss of vision
• Increased weakness on affected side
• Foot drop
• Impaired cognition

What can a stroke survivor do to prevent a fall at home?

1. Increased dizziness can be caused by multiple factors. Dizziness can be
caused by dehydration, side effects from medication and low blood pressure.
Therefore it very important to always stay hydrated, monitor your blood pressure
and always speak to your doctor about possible side effects when starting a new
medication.

2. After surviving a stroke many people will notice a change with their vision.
 It is very important to get examined by an optometrist after surviving a
stroke. The doctor may need to adjust your glasses or they may also recommend
that you speak to an occupational therapist to work on exercises to address your
vision issues. It is important to make sure to always keep your house well lit
and free of obstacles.

3. After experiencing a stroke many people exhibit weakness on one side of their
body which can cause impaired balance. It is very important to continue to work
with a therapist to increase your range of motion and strength on the affected
side. It is also very important to always utilize your assistive device (ie:
walker or cane etc.) if needed.

4. Many stroke survivors tend to have drop foot
[https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/what-does-a-drop-foot-brace-do] after a stroke.
Drop foot means that you have a hard time lifting the front part of your foot.
If your doctor or therapist have given you a brace to wear it is very important
that you do so. It is important to keep doing your rehab exercises in order to
strength all the muscles in your foot and hopefully get rid of your drop foot!

5. Many stroke survivors present with impaired cognition after a stroke. Many
people have memory issues causing one to forget to use their assistive device at
all times. It is important that someone with impaired cognition has supervision
at home to prevent falls.  It is also important to set up the home to provide a
successful environment ie clear and light pathways.

If you have had a stroke and are looking for an effective solution for your
rehabilitation needs, please look into Neofect's line of Smart Rehabilitation
Solutions [https://www.neofect.com/us].

To learn more, please call (888) 623-8984 or email contactus@neofect.com.