How To Effectively Prevent More Falls For Seniors
It has been estimated that our elderly population has a higher risk of experiencing numerous falls, some of which may result in fatal injuries. Every year, almost one in every four seniors in the United States suffers a fall. Falls are an extremely prevalent hazard that can occur to anyone in any environment. However, our elderly population experiences them more frequently. And in most instances, the injuries sustained are rather severe, so we need to know how to prevent seniors from falling.
When our elderly population experiences fall, they risk suffering from hip fractures, brain injuries, and shattered bones. In addition, if a senior has successfully recovered from a fall without serious injuries, this is a positive sign. They continue to develop feelings of anxiety and depression, and as a result, they lead increasingly sedentary lives.
Causes of Seniors from Falling
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Balance
As we age, we experience a dramatic decline in the body’s balance. Not only is there a drop in credit, but there is also a lack of coordination and a reduction in overall body flexibility. These factors contribute to an increased risk and prevent seniors from falling.
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Vision problems
As people become older, their vision naturally worsens. In addition, as people get older, they develop various vision problems that make it difficult to see. As a consequence of this, poor vision has been a critical factor in the occurrence of numerous falls.
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Chronic illness symptoms
The aged population in our country is at a greater risk for developing chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, and stroke.
These conditions are the most common causes of hopelessness, apathy, and loss of function, all of which, in a way, increase the likelihood of experiencing a fall.
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Medications
The efficient treatment of chronic degenerative diseases typically requires using a diverse array of pharmaceuticals. Unfortunately, many medications cause various adverse effects, including dizziness, sleepiness, dehydration, or interactions with other drugs, which can increase the risk and prevent seniors from falling.
Steps to Prevent Seniors from Falling
As mentioned, as people age, they develop a more significant risk and prevent seniors from falling.
This ultimately becomes one of the key contributors to the decline in their level of independence. It will go a long way toward ensuring that our elderly population lives a healthy life if we assist them in taking specific and essential steps to prevent falls.
If you were to follow these six instructions, there is a far lower chance that you may have a fall:
Step 1: Consult your physician
Imagine that your senior loved ones frequently fall because of a disease or the medications they take. If this is the case, your doctor is the best person to assist you. First, make a list of all the medicines that your elderly loved one is currently taking, and then visit your primary care physician.
Your doctor can select which prescriptions your family members should stop taking once they have the list. In addition, some eye and ear diseases and other conditions can also contribute to falls among our elderly population. Additionally, the physician will evaluate the patient’s stride, muscle strength, and balance. All of these factors could be included when assessing the potential for falls.
Step 2: Physical exercise
Balance and muscle strength can both benefit from regular physical exercise. This guarantees less frequent falls. Tell the doctor if your loved one is too terrified to execute the workouts they prescribed.
The doctor will then suggest a training program or seated exercises to be performed under close supervision. There will be less of a chance of injury and prevent seniors from falling. Walking, tai chi, and other mild exercises are just a few examples.
Step 3: Put on proper footwear
You must make an informed choice while purchasing footwear for your elderly loved ones. When giving your feet the support and comfort they need, your shoes can be your best friend or your worst enemy.
However, improperly fitting shoes that are either slippery or unpleasant are substantial contributors to the problem of falls among older people. In addition to that, making sure that they wear shoes that are appropriate for their feet would help to lessen the pain in their joints.
Step 4: The brighter, the better
As was mentioned earlier, having vision problems raises the probability of experiencing a fall. For this reason, the living space should include as much natural light as is feasible. Your loved one should be able to see sufficiently in the late evening and during the night in the bedroom, hallway, and bathroom, providing adequate lighting.
Also, ensure the lights are on before climbing up or down the steps. It is never a good idea to utilize the staircase when there is little lighting.
A severe injury or even fatality can result from falling down the steps. Because of this, you should never provide permission to an elderly relative or friend to use the stairs while there is insufficient lighting.
In addition, it is highly recommended that you always have flashlights close at hand and store them in areas where your parents can readily get them. When the power suddenly goes out, having a flashlight available in handy.
Step 5: Put away potential dangers at home
To prevent frequent falls, you must make your home safer for aging parents. To begin, clear away any clutter that isn’t necessary and any potential hazards. Next, to make your home a more secure environment for your parents, you must complete the following adjustments.
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Remove any stands, tables, or racks blocking the paths. If you do not remove these items from areas with a lot of foot traffic, they could cause your parent to trip and fall.
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Take everything out of the paths, including carpets, newspapers, phones, and cords for electrical appliances.
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Quick action is required to clean up any liquids or foods that have been spilled.
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Put down some non-slip mats in the area around the restroom. You will also need to buy your parent a bath chair so that they may sit while they are washing themselves.
Step 6: Devices that offer assistance:
As people age, they frequently need assistance from various devices, such as walkers and canes.
Imagine that both of your parents suffer from arthritis or a common illness. When this occurs, medical professionals may recommend aided equipment.
To begin, it is strongly recommended that you make a few adjustments to your residence by installing specialized equipment.
These kinds of equipment include some instances like:
- Grab bars
- Elevated toilet seats
- Bath chair-handrails, etc.
Tips to make your home fall-proof to Prevent Seniors from Falling
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The bathroom is equipped with grab bars.
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Your elderly parents who suffer from joint discomfort or arthritis may benefit from having a higher toilet seat.
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The stairways are equipped with handrails on both sides.
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A sturdy chair designed for use in the bathtub.
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A shower nozzle in one’s hand allows for more accessible bathing while seated in a relaxed position.
Caregiving Consulting
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The Ultimate Caregiving Expert Consulting offers tools, services, and resources to give you a fresh, objective perspective on caregiving. This will help enhance your caregiving journey if you feel confined, overwhelmed, or hopeless in the role of caregiver.
Additional Education
Education in caregiving refers to acquiring the knowledge, skills, and understanding necessary to provide care for individuals who require assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and grooming.
This education can be obtained through formal programs or on-the-job training and experience.
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Conclusion:
Caregivers should also educate themselves about the signs and symptoms that may indicate an increased fall risk, such as dizziness, difficulty walking, or balance changes.
This awareness allows you to be vigilant and take appropriate action, such as seeking medical attention or adjusting care plans.
In conclusion, our commitment to ensuring dignified aging for our elderly loved ones involves actively addressing the risk of falls. By implementing preventive measures, promoting a safe environment, and providing the necessary support, you can significantly enhance their quality of life and minimize the potential harm caused by falls. To learn more about fall prevention techniques and additional resources, please visit for further details.