Ways to Prevent Senior Falls

As our senior loved ones age, they often get a little wobblier on their feet. According to the NIH, more than one in four people age 65 and older fall each year. The risk increases as the age rises. Being unsteady on your feet can be scary, especially for senior citizens. One fall over a loose rug or random cord could lead to further programs. A broken bone could mean seniors can leave the home, and that can spiral into less movement, a decline in health, and even loneliness. In hopes of avoiding falls, here are some ways to help prevent senior falls.

Know the Causes

While of course there are freak accidents that lead to falls, there are many factors that can contribute to a fall in older adults. Knowing these, and looking out for them, can help to minimize falls. There are many different factors that could come into play. As people age, their eyes, hearing and reflexes start to diminish. Medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, thyroid problems, foot issues, cognitive impairment, achy knees, and blood flow issues also can contribute to a fall. For example, blood pressure that drops when you try to get up from sitting or lying down can be a contributor to falling. Sarcopenia - which is loss of muscle, is common in older adults and can contribute to falls.

Other issues that you might not automatically think of - such as incontinence, can contribute to falls. If older adults need to hurry to use the bathroom - especially in the middle of the night, it could lead to more falls. Certain medications may also lead to falls because of their side effects.

Outside of the body, safety hazards in the home - such as slippery floors, cords, and loose rugs, are contributors to falls in older adults, especially if adults have limited movement and aren’t picking their feet up when they walk. 

Being aware of all of these potential causes, can help seniors and their loved ones be more aware of their risks, and help them be cautious and make some changes in their lives and around the home when it comes to fall prevention. For example, knowing your senior is losing muscle, can inspire you to enroll them in yoga or a weight program. And knowing their medication might make them dizzy, can ensure you keep an extra set of eyes on them.

Clear the Way

One way to help prevent falls is to ensure seniors have a clear path when they are walking. Whether it is their usual bath during the day at home or their path from the bed to the bathroom at night, ensure it is safe and pitfall-free. Even little things can trip up senior citizens, from a toy filled with catnip for the kitty to slippers near the bed.

To help minimize the risk of falls, go through their home room by room with your senior loved one. Declutter areas and rearrange things to be more conducive for safety. Have things within reach so your seniors don’t need to go searching for them or stand on chairs looking on higher shelves to find their favorite bowl. Ensure you check all of the rugs in the home - from tiny bath mats to larger area rugs that can bunch up or might cause a tripping hazard because of fringe. Sometimes rugs don’t have a backing and can cause slips. It is often advised to completely remove any area rugs in the home to help ensure safety for seniors.

Add More Safety Measures

While removing tripping hazards is important, it often is necessary to make bigger changes in the home to ensure seniors stay safely on their feet. Everyday tasks such as showering on their own, using the bathroom, and walking up the stairs can cause worries about falling. It might be time to install a grab bar by the toilet so they can steady themselves. A higher toilet for your senior loved ones, which can be easier to get up from, and less stress on aging knees, also is helpful. Grab bars along the stairs, or sturdier railings, can help with fall prevention. 

Have Helpers

Have someone near your senior if you fear they are unsteady on their feet. Accompany them on their daily walks. Or have a teenage grandchild take them to the store and watch over them as they shop. Home care agencies, including Visiting Angels Chadds Ford, have experts trained in fall prevention who can come into your home and help your senior loved one. With a specialized Safe and Steady Fall Prevention Program, they can be there to help your senior when you can’t be. They can offer an extra hand to your senior as they use the bathroom, walk about their house, or even head out into the community. They also can offer an extra set of eyes around the home and can alert you to any pitfalls they see in your senior’s way each day.

Visiting Angels Can Help

At Visiting Angels, our professionally-trained caregivers can help the seniors in your life stay on their feet and stay safe. We have expert caregivers on staff who know how to help care for seniors, and to help them maintain meaningful, independent lives. In addition to focusing specifically on keeping your seniors safe on their feet, our compassionate caregivers at Visiting Angels Chadds Ford can also do everything from light meal prep to offer companionship. Our caregivers can help seniors get ready each morning and even focus on dementia care. Our experts will help develop a personalized, individual care plan for the senior in your life.

Our professional team of caregivers serves clients in Central & Southern Delaware County and Southern Chester County PA. To use our services or to learn more, call us at 484-428-6636, or fill out an online form here.