How To Effectively Prevent More Falls For Seniors
Fall Statistics
According to statistical estimates, our seniors are prone to frequent falls, which can turn fatal. About one in every 4 American seniors fall every year. Falls are a common problem and can happen to anyone, anywhere. But they are more common for our seniors. And the associated injuries are severe in the majority of cases.
Our seniors risk suffering from hip fractures, head injuries, and broken bones when they fall. In addition, if a senior has successfully survived a fall without any significant injuries. They still become fearful and depressed, gradually leading an inactive lifestyle.
Factors that lead to a fall
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Balance
As we age, there is a significant decrease in the body’s balance. Along with credit, there is a lack of coordination and a reduction in the body’s flexibility. All these factors make our seniors more prone to frequent falls.
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Poor vision
With age, there is also a reduction in vision. And our seniors also develop various vision problems that interfere with their sight. So poor picture yet again becomes a primary culprit for frequent falls.
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Chronic disease conditions
Our seniors are also receptive to chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, and stroke. These conditions are the biggest causes of depression, inactivity, and loss of function, which, in a way, increases the risk of falling.
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Medications
Chronic degenerative diseases demand a wide range of medications for their effective management. Unfortunately, medications have several side effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness, dehydration, or drug interactions which can lead to falls.
Steps to reduce falls in seniors
As explained, with age, our seniors become more prone to falls. Which becomes one of the primary reasons for their loss of independence. Helping them with specific simple measures to prevent falls will go a long way in making our seniors lead a healthy life. Following these six steps would undoubtedly reduce the risk of falling:
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Step 1: Talk to your doctor
Suppose medications or illness is causing your elderly to fall often. Then the doctor is the best person to help you with it. First, list all the medicines your elderly loved one is taking and visit your doctor. With the list, your doctor could decide which medications your loved ones need to stop. Furthermore, particular eye, as well as ear disorders can also lead to falls in our seniors. The doctor also wants to check their balance, muscle strength, and gait. All these would help in analyzing the risk of falls.
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Step 2: Physical activity
Physical activity is one of the best ways to improve balance and muscle strength. Thereby giving an assurance of fall reduction. If your loved one is afraid of performing exercises, then it is best to let the doctor know. The doctor will then recommend some carefully monitored training or seated exercises. This will help in reducing the risk of falls. Some activities include walking, tai chi, or specific gentle movements.
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Step 3: Wear the right shoes
You need to select the best shoes for your elderly loved ones wisely. Shoes can be your best friend or your worst enemy when providing support and comfort to the feet. However, poor fitting and slippery or uncomfortable shoes are also significant reasons for falls among the elderly. Furthermore, selecting the proper footwear would also aid in reducing their joint pain.
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Step 4: Light, light, and more light
As already stated, poor vision increases the risk of falls. Therefore, the living space should be lit up as much as possible. The bedroom, hallway, and bathroom should have proper lighting so your loved one can see adequately, even during late evening and night hours. In addition, lights should be on when climbing up or down the stairs. It is never advisable to use the stairs without proper lighting. A fall from the stairs can even cost a life. And therefore, it is wise never to allow your senior parent to climb the stairs without proper light. Also, it would be best to keep flashlights handy and in places where your parents can easily access them. Flashlights are helpful in situations when the power goes off.
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Step 5: Clear away the home hazards
To prevent frequent falls, you must make your home safer for your aging parents. First, remove all unnecessary clutter and home hazards. Next, you need to make the following modifications to make your home safer for your parents.
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Remove all stands, tables, and racks from walkways. These articles can cause your parent to trip and fall if not removed from high-traffic areas.
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Remove all rugs, newspapers, phones, and electrical cords from walkways.
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Clean up spilled liquids and greasy foods should go immediately.
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Install antislip mats near the bathroom. You must also purchase a bath chair so your parent can sit while bathing.
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Step 6: Assisted devices:
Assisted devices, such as walkers and canes, often become a common accompaniment of old age. Suppose your parents have arthritis or any form of joint disorder. Then doctors may suggest assisted devices. First, however, it would be best if you made some home modifications by installing specific devices. Some examples of such devices include.
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Grab bars
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Elevated toilet seats
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Bath chair
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handrails, etc.
Tips to make your home fall-proof for your beloved seniors, Install:
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Grab bars in the bathroom
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A raised toilet seat for your aging parents suffering from joint pain or arthritis.
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Handrails on both sides of the stairways.
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A strong bath chair for bathing.
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A hand-held shower nozzle so your parent can easily bathe while sitting comfortably on the seat.
Conclusion
Old age is certainly not an easy journey for our aging seniors. Unfortunately, falls are a typical old-age problem, making the trip all the more difficult.
Finally, as a responsible caregiver. Our prime duty is to help our seniors age gracefully by keeping them healthy by following the fall-mentioned prevention strategies. As a result, we can significantly reduce the chances of falls and prevent fatal and life-risky injuries. For more information, check out this site. Also, check out this past post on falling.
