The number of older people is increasing in the United States and throughout much of the world. As our aging population grows, so does the number of accidental falls.

A recent national study found that 41% of community-dwelling older adults have fallen at least once in the past 12 months and most falls occur in the home. Falls among seniors are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for older Americans, threatening their safety and independence. Falls also generate enormous economic and personal costs: direct medical costs range from $17,000 to $72,000 per person hospitalized after a fall.

The National Council on Aging estimates that approximately 1.5 million falls annually result in hospitalization and more than 50,000 fatalities annually among adults aged 65 and over in the United States alone. With approximately 10,000 deaths each year resulting from injuries caused by falling, seniors who experience this unfortunate event have a greater chance of death than those who are involved in motor vehicle accidents. While falling may seem an inevitable part of aging, statistics show that falls are neither an uncontrollable product of our accumulating years nor unavoidable. Through practical lifestyle adjustments, evidence-based fall prevention programs, and clinical-community partnerships, the number of falls among seniors can be substantially reduced.

How to Prevent Falls in Older Adults?

1. Add handrails and grab bars where possible:

Having a little extra support with daily tasks like entering the bathtub, standing up off the toilet, and walking up and down stairs can go a long way when it comes to minimizing the risk of falls. Installing handrails and grab bars in key locations throughout the home is a simple but cost-effective way to prevent your senior loved one from falling when getting around on their own.

2. Clear the home of tripping hazards:

Although falls can happen any place and at any time, certain items throughout a home can make the event more likely. To lower the risk, remove known tripping hazards such as exposed cords, loose carpeting, and uneven floorboards.

3. Keep all spaces well lit:

As you might be able to guess, falls are significantly more likely to occur when the lighting is inadequate to clearly see what’s in front of you. Surprisingly, however, poor lighting is still a common finding in homes where falls have occurred. To protect your loved one, invest in fixtures to properly light any area where they might need to travel alone such as walkways, staircases, and common rooms.

4. Maintain a clutter-free home:

A cluttered home is more likely to cause injuries than a well-kept one. Cleaning up around the house regularly can help reduce the risk of falls. Remove piles of paper and clutter from areas where your loved one may need to travel often, such as hallways, stairs, laundry rooms, and closets.

5. Wear shoes or nonslip socks:

Slipping risk can be mitigated through proper footwear. For maximum safety, it is recommended that you have your loved one wear shoes while in the home to better grip the floor. Nonslip socks with grips on the soles of the feet are also an option for those who dislike wearing shoes.

6. Practice preventative exercise:

Preventative exercise programs can help improve balance and coordination, thus lowering the risk of accidental falls. They often focus on improving flexibility and strength for better stability while getting around. If your loved one needs additional help, a physical therapist (PT) may also recommend exercises that are easy to do at home to mitigate fall risk.

7. Wear snug-fitting clothes:

It is important to wear the right clothes at home. Loose clothing can get caught on things and cause tripping and falling, so choose pieces that fit your loved one snugly. Hem items so they don’t drag on the ground and remember to avoid wearing socks with sandals or flip-flops. Also avoid any clothing items that bunch up, as this can increase the chances of a fall.

8. Use non-slip mats where possible:

Bathtubs, showers, and kitchens are some of the most common places for falls to occur. This is because it is easy for moisture to accumulate in these areas, creating slick surfaces that are easy to accidentally fall on. Non-slip mats are a low-cost but highly effective solution for reducing the threat of falls due to slipping on wet surfaces.

Falls are one of the most common injuries among seniors, but they are not inevitable. It’s never too late to reduce the risk of falling, thanks to a variety of proven fall prevention tactics including physical training, home adjustments, and slip-resistant footwear. Taking the right steps today can help protect the quality of your loved one’s life tomorrow.

At Assisting Hands of Dallas, we are committed to creating a comfortable and safe environment for every senior under our care. Our live-in care and overnight care services provide around-the-clock support for your loved one so you can rest assured they’re safe even when you’re not around. Contact us today at (214) 760-6944 to schedule your free in-home consultation.