When Your Senior Loved One Has a Fall: A Guide to Fall Prevention

A fall can be a major turning point for seniors, one that impacts not only their physical health, but their emotional well-being. Studies have shown that close to 1 in 4 seniors experience a fall each year, with falls being the number one cause of injuries and hospital admissions for those over 65.  And, to make matters more serious, once a senior has fallen, the individual is twice as likely to fall again. Even when the fall is considered minor, the senior's confidence is usually shaken and they begin to lose confidence and begin to worry about simple things like moving around their home. Take any fall seriously and avoid dismissing the severity or brush it off as a one-time incident. Seniors who fall can experience a mix of emotions. From anxiety about being alone to isolation due to fear of falling if they leave the house, validate their feelings and concerns and work together to prevent another fall from happening.  This article will tackle a few of the common fall hazards and steps you can take towards fall prevention.  

Identify Potential Fall Risks

Since more than half of senior fall incidents occur inside the home, it only makes sense to start there and identify what might have contributed to their fall. Look around and talk to your loved one about these common factors: 

• Household hazards: clutter, chords, rugs, uneven surfaces and poor lighting
• Physical factors: dizziness, low blood pressure, weakness, vision problems, dehydration and shuffling when walking
  

Take action to remove any of the hazards. Remove anything that is on the floor that could cause someone to trip. Install lighting in hallways, on stairs and throughout the home where light might be limited. Ensure seniors are wearing properly fitting footwear, remove unnecessary throw rugs that are in walking areas, and take care to ensure chords are in places they cannot be tripped over. Consider installing grab bars, from companies such as Hold Tight Handrails, near stairs and bathrooms for added support and assistance getting up and down. If your loved one experiences any physical symptoms such as those listed above, or any other new concerns, be sure to discuss them with their physician. 

Increase Strength and Balance

Muscle weakness is often a contributing factor to falls. Working to increase strength and balance through exercise is key to fall prevention. As with any activity, be sure to consult a doctor or physical therapist before starting any new exercise. Here are a few simple exercises that can help to get started: 

• Wall Exercises: Stand so your heels, hips, shoulders and head are touching against a wall. Hold there for 1-2 minutes.
• Heel-to-toe Raises: Stand next to a countertop for support. Keep shoulders stacked over hips and lift one knee at a time, you don't need to raise it very high, just off the floor. Hold for 30 seconds per leg, do this for 2-3 repetitions.
• Seated Leg Exercise: Invest in a small pedal exerciser that you can use while seated. Doing this for 10 minutes daily will help increase your leg strength.
• Walking Exercise: Walk in a straight line, use markings on the floor or tile for guidance. Increase the distance over time, and even try walking backward for a few steps.

Hire Professional Assistance

Professional caregivers, such as those from Visiting Angels, provide a combination of safety expertise and companionship for seniors. Caregivers are able to identify and eliminate fall hazards throughout the home, ensuring your loved one's environment is safe. Caregivers can also encourage daily exercise and ensure they are taking medications. They are also there to assist with household duties such as light housekeeping, laundry, and meal prep which reduces the need for seniors to be bending, walking up and down stairs, and moving around the house. Regular visits from a caregiver also provide a consistent safety check and a friendly presence who can offer reminders for daily activities and proper nutrition. The addition of a home care agency to a senior's routine is also added peace of mind for family members, especially after their loved one has experienced a fall. 

Address the Emotional Toll After a Fall

A fall leaves a lasting impact with seniors after a fall, they develop a fear of falling again. The fear and anxiety can lead to social isolation and lack of physical activity in an attempt to avoid falling. However, the inactivity actually could worsen the situation, causing muscles to weaken and a loss of strength and balance from a sedentary lifestyle. Ensure your loved one knows you understand their fear, talk with them and encourage them to work with you to find ways to gradually increase activity levels.  Find ways to motivate them, even if it is just short, small movements - every step helps rebuild strength and confidence. 

If you are interested in learning more about how home care can assist your loved one in preventing further falls, please reach out. We would be happy to discuss our services and how we can help your senior remain in their home as long as possible. Fill out our contact form or give us a call at 952-935-0789 and we can answer any questions you may have.