As we age, our bodies change and we may be less steady on our feet and more likely to fall. Falls can lead to serious injuries, such as broken bones or head injuries, which in turn can lead to hospital stays and long-term care needs. These injuries can make it especially hard for older people to stay active and independent.

Health care teams emphasize the importance of older adult fall prevention to avoid hospital readmissions and maintain seniors’ quality of life.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in 2021, emergency departments recorded nearly 3 million visits for older adult falls, and it was the leading cause of death for adults over 65. Fall prevention is a top priority for many families because it can stop their loved ones from being independent by forcing them to move to a nursing home, skilled nursing facility or an assisted living setting. To avoid that and help seniors maintain their independence, Visiting Angels created a Safe and Steady® fall prevention program to lower the risk of slips, trips, and falls for the elderly at home.

Why Is Fall Prevention Important for Seniors?

Seniors are more likely to fall than younger adults, with one in four seniors falling yearly. If they fall once, their chances of falling again doubles.

Seniors fall at home for various reasons, many of which are related to chronic conditions and overall health issues. Chronic conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease can affect balance, coordination, and strength, making seniors more prone to falls.

Additionally, certain medications prescribed for these medical conditions can cause dizziness or drowsiness, further increasing the risk. Poor vision and hearing, which are common in older adults, can also contribute to falls. This is why proper medication management and regular health checkups are an important part of ongoing care.

Older adult falls can also occur during transitions between different care settings—for example, going home after an inpatient stay at a hospital. Without the right transitional care management and discharge planning, these risks increase.

Lack of continuity of care can lead to seniors not receiving the necessary support and follow-up care, resulting in falls and potential readmission to the emergency department. Effective communication between health care providers, family caregivers, and seniors is essential to ensure a safe and supportive home environment.

The Risk of Falls During Transfer

Falls are not just a matter of balance or stability. Falls can happen during transfers, or the act of moving from one position to another. Understanding these risks can help in preventing dangerous accidents.

Here are a few common transfers that might lead to a fall:

• In and Out of the Shower: Wet, slippery surfaces are a hazard. Installing grab bars and non-slip mats can significantly reduce this risk.

• Chair to Standing: Standing up from a seated position requires strength and balance which can be difficult for older adults. Ensuring that the chair is stable and using assistive devices, like a cane or walker, can help.

• Standing to Sitting: It is possible to misjudge the distance of a chair when lowering to sit. Encouraging a slow and controlled movement along with proper chair placement can mitigate this danger.

• On and Off the Bed: Getting in and out of bed can be risky, particularly at night when it is dark and reflexes are slow Bed rails and proper lighting can be effective in preventing falls during these transfers.

While transfers pose significant risks, there are steps you can take to help prevent falls and keep your loved ones safe in their own home.

How to Reduce the Risk of Falls at Home

It’s important to understand how to prevent falls so that seniors can enjoy a high quality of life in their home or care facilities. Here are a few ways to reduce the risk of falls.

• Exercise regularly: Encourage seniors to increase physical activity with exercises that improve balance and strength, like walking, yoga, or tai chi. Health care professionals can recommend appropriate activities and exercise programs.
• Have regular health checkups: Ensure seniors have regular health checkups, including eye and ear exams, and that they take prescribed medications correctly. Medication management can prevent dizziness or other side effects that increase fall risk.
• Home health care services: Consider using home health care services. Professional caregivers can help with daily tasks and ensure that seniors move safely around the house and avoid home hazards. Home health care care providers can also assist with safe transfers, such as getting in and out of bed or chairs or showers, and work with family members and caregivers on safe and effective transfers. In addition, they can coordinate follow-up care after an acute care hospital stay.
• Use assistive devices: Use walkers or canes to help with balance. Make sure they are the right size and used correctly. Health care providers may recommend implementing home safety measures to reduce risk factors, like installing guardrails and bed barriers, and often provide referrals for these devices or to a physical therapist or other rehabilitation services.
• Involve family caregivers: It is important to communicate any fear of falling and injury prevention information. Teach seniors and family members about fall prevention. Help everyone understand how to create a safe environment and what to do if a fall happens. Family caregivers play a crucial role in maintaining a safe home environment.

The 5 Ps of Fall Prevention

To prevent falls, healthcare providers and caregivers often follow the "5 Ps of Fall Prevention." These simple, but effective guidelines help ensure a safer environment. Here’s a breakdown of each:

1. Pain—For fall prevention, pain can limit movement, cause weakness, or create hesitation. Remember to manage pain levels and address them with the appropriate interventions, such as medication or physical therapy.
   Helpful tip: Encourage open communication and regular exercise programs to eliminate stiffness and discomfort.

2. Personal Needs—Regular access to the bathroom, adequate hydration, and proper nutrition can help reduce the risk of falls. When individuals rush to meet these needs, especially at night, they are more prone to losing balance.
   Helpful tip: Keep a regular schedule for bathroom breaks. Ensure all areas of the house are well-lit. Use nightlights in hallways and bathrooms to help seniors see better at night, reducing the risk of falls.

3. Position—Poor positioning can lead to muscle stiffness, reduced circulation, and discomfort, all of which can contribute to falls when trying to move. Repositioning individuals regularly helps maintain circulation and comfort.
   Helpful tip: Use pillows and supports to ensure proper body alignment and comfort when sitting or lying down.

4. Placement—Strategically placing essential items within reach can prevent unnecessary movement that could lead to falls. This includes placing phones, glasses, water, and other frequently used items close by. It’s also important to ensure that the environment is free of clutter and hazards.
   Helpful tip: Keep items within reach. Store frequently used items in open, easy-to-reach places to avoid the need for climbing or stretching.

5. Prevent Falls—The ultimate goal is to prevent falls before they happen. This involves a combination of the previous four P’s and proactive measures like installing grab bars, using non-slip mats, and wearing proper footwear. Regularly assessing the environment and the individual’s condition helps in identifying and mitigating risks.
   Helpful tip: Conduct regular fall risk assessments and adjust the environment and care routine as needed.

A Commitment to Your Senior’s Safety

Home care services provided by Visiting Angels caregivers can support fall prevention efforts. Our personal care services program can help with necessary activities such as dressing, bathing, and mobility. Our companion care program helps your loved one maintain a safe and tidy home with an extra set of hands for daily tasks such as meal preparation, laundry, and other small errands.

Fall prevention is included in the Alzheimer's care, dementia care, and transitional care programs at Visiting Angels.

Get Started With Fall Prevention from Visiting Angels

Our local Visiting Angels home care office serves the greater Northbrook, IL area, including Glencoe, Glenview, Highland Park, Kenilworth, Northbrook, Skokie, Wilmette, Winnetka, Evanston. Reach out to set up a free home care consultation with you and your senior to help you determine the levels of care you and your family need. Following the consultation, the coordinator will develop a personalized home care plan and recommend a caregiver suited to your loved one’s unique needs.

Find your nearest Visiting Angels home care agency today or contact us to learn more.

Free Safe & Steady ® Fall Prevention Resource Guide

Fall prevention for elderly individuals in the Northbrook, IL and surrounding areas is achievable through focused, immediate action. You can start taking steps to protect your loved ones with our comprehensive toolkit.

Download "Safe & Steady ® Fall Prevention Resource Guide" for free.

Still have questions? Reach out to us today!