Help Loved Ones Prevent Falls
The National Council on Aging recognizes Falls Prevention Awareness Week this year from September 23 – 27. Although falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among older Americans, falling is not an unavoidable consequence of aging.
This guide will provide practical steps and strategies to help reduce the risk of falls among elderly loved ones, ensuring their safety and well-being at home and in their daily lives.
1. Assess Home Safety
Most falls happen at home, so a thorough home safety assessment is a crucial first step. Here are some modifications you can make:
- Remove tripping hazards: Clear the floor of clutter, wires, loose rugs and other items that may cause a fall.
- Secure carpets and rugs: Use double-sided tape or non-slip backing to ensure rugs don’t move unexpectedly.
- Improve lighting: Ensure all areas, especially stairways, hallways and bathrooms, are well-lit. Consider motion-sensor night lights for navigating in the dark.
- Install grab bars: Bathrooms are a common location for falls. Install grab bars near toilets and in showers or tubs to provide extra support.
- Rearrange frequently used items: Ensure that commonly used items are within easy reach, minimizing the need for elderly individuals to use step stools or bend down too far.
2. Encourage Regular Exercise
Maintaining strength, flexibility and balance is essential for preventing falls. Encourage your loved ones to stay active:
- Balance exercises: Activities such as tai chi and yoga can improve balance and coordination, reducing the likelihood of a fall.
- Strength training: Simple strength exercises, like leg raises, can help maintain muscle tone, which supports balance.
- Walking and swimming: Low-impact aerobic activities promote cardiovascular health and maintain overall mobility.
Consult with a physical therapist for a personalized exercise routine tailored to your loved one’s physical condition and abilities.
3. Regular Vision and Hearing Checks
Poor vision and hearing can contribute to falls, as they affect one’s ability to detect obstacles and maintain spatial awareness. Ensure your elderly loved ones have regular:
- Vision checks: Uncorrected vision problems or outdated prescriptions increase the risk of tripping.
- Hearing tests: Loss of hearing can affect balance, so it’s important to monitor any changes and ensure they have appropriate hearing aids if necessary.
4. Review Medications
Certain medications, or combinations of medications, can cause dizziness, confusion or drowsiness, all of which increase the likelihood of falls. It’s important to:
- Review medications regularly with a doctor: Ensure that your loved ones’ medications are not causing dangerous side effects.
- Be aware of drug interactions: Some drugs can interact in ways that exacerbate dizziness or balance issues, so it’s crucial to understand the risks.
5. Provide Assistive Devices
Assistive devices can offer additional support and stability for older adults, especially those with mobility issues. Consider:
- Canes or walkers: These tools can help steady elderly individuals when they walk. Be sure to select devices that are appropriately sized and adjusted for their height.
- Proper footwear: Shoes with non-slip soles and good support can significantly reduce the risk of slipping.
6. Encourage Safe Habits
Fostering daily habits that promote safety is key. This includes:
- Standing up slowly: Encourage elderly loved ones to rise slowly from sitting or lying down positions to prevent dizziness from sudden movements.
- Using handrails: Always use handrails when going up and down stairs or when entering/exiting the house.
- Avoiding distractions: Encourage them to stay focused when walking, especially avoiding tasks like carrying too many things or using a phone while walking.
7. Consider Technology Solutions
Technology can also assist in fall prevention and detection:
- Medical alert systems: Wearable devices with emergency buttons can provide peace of mind, ensuring that help can be summoned quickly in the event of a fall.
- Fall detection technology: Some wearables can automatically detect falls and notify emergency services if the individual is unable to do so themselves.
8. Educate on Fall Risks and Emergency Response
Helping elderly loved ones understand their own fall risks is important for prevention. Have regular conversations about:
- Risky activities: Teach them to avoid dangerous situations, such as climbing on stools or ladders, and to ask for help when needed.
- What to do after a fall: In case a fall does occur, ensure they know how to call for help and have an emergency plan in place.
Helping loved ones prevent falls is about creating a safe environment, encouraging healthy habits and ensuring they have the right support systems in place. By following these guidelines, you can help them maintain their independence while significantly reducing the risk of injury from falls.
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