As our loved ones gracefully age, they encounter a myriad of health and mental challenges, with one significant concern being the increased propensity for falls. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around one in four Americans aged 65 and older fall each year, resulting in millions of emergency room visits. Falling is not just a normal consequence of aging; it often indicates underlying health issues that need attention. In this blog, we will investigate the causes of elderly falls, discuss the potential consequences, and, most importantly, outline practical steps and strategies to help prevent and address the recurring issue of falls in our elderly loved ones. Implementing effective elderly fall prevention measures is important for their safety and well-being.

Causes of Falls Among Seniors

Falls in the elderly can have many causes, including:

1. Muscle Weakness: In older age, a common occurrence is the loss of muscle mass and strength, known as sarcopenia. This weakening of muscles can affect stability, making elderly individuals more prone to falls, especially during routine activities like walking or climbing stairs.
2. Vision Loss: Poor vision due to conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration reduces an older adult’s ability to identify obstacles, elevating the risk of falls.
3. Long-Term Health Conditions: Long-term health conditions noticeably raise the chances of falling in different ways. For example, heart conditions may cause dizziness or fainting, making it harder to stay steady. Also, low blood pressure can bring about lightheadedness, presenting an additional challenge for those dealing with chronic health issues.
4. Dementia: Dementia has a big impact on both thinking and movement. It can make people feel lost, affect their decision-making, and cause problems with coordination. All these factors together make the risk of falling higher.
5. Lower Body Weakness: As people age, there’s a natural tendency for muscles in the lower body, including the legs and hips, to lose strength and mass. This condition can compromise stability and make it challenging to maintain balance during activities such as walking, standing, or transitioning from sitting to standing.
6. Foot Pain or Poor Footwear: When individuals experience foot pain, whether due to conditions like arthritis or other discomforts, it can affect their balance and overall mobility. Additionally, wearing shoes that don’t provide proper support or have slippery soles increases the risk of slipping and losing stability.
7. Postural Hypotension: Postural hypotension, characterized by a significant drop in blood pressure upon standing up from a lying down or sitting position, can be a concerning condition. Seniors are susceptible to postural hypotension, and it can be caused by various factors such as dehydration, changes in cardiovascular system or side effects of certain medications.
8. Vitamin D Deficiency: This is a common concern among seniors and can contribute to an increased risk of falls. As individuals age, there tends to be a natural decline in the body’s ability to produce and absorb vitamin D, which is essential for maintaining strong and healthy bones. A lack of vitamin D can lead to weakened bones and muscles, making seniors more susceptible to falls and fractures.

Do Not Ignore Your Senior Loved One’s First Fall

If an older person you care about takes a tumble, don’t just overlook it. That initial fall is significant, indicating they may need some extra assistance. Life gets busy, and we might forget the unique challenges that come with aging. But when our elderly friends or family members have a stumble, it’s a clear signal to be attentive and offer support. Take the time to listen and understand why it happened. Being there for their first fall can make a positive impact and potentially prevent future accidents.

If there’s a significant fall resulting in injury, particularly to the head, neck, back, hips, or thighs, suggest they avoid moving, dial 911, provide reassurance, and keep them warm. Be ready to perform CPR if their breathing stops. It’s all about offering a helping hand when our cherished elderly individuals require it the most.

Treatment for Falls in the Elderly

If an elderly person takes a fall and gets injured, there are different ways to assist them in feeling better and recovering, such as:

1. RICE Method: Give their body a break using rest, ice, compression, and elevation – a gentle combination to address swelling and pain after a fall.
2. Feel Good Meds: Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can give them relief, easing the aches and calming the inflammation.
3. Therapy: Consider physical therapy for their body, aiding in regaining strength, coordination, and flexibility after a fall.
4. Alignment Help: In certain situations, traction comes into play – it’s a gentle pulling force that aids in aligning and stabilizing bones or joints following a fall.

Fall Prevention Tips to Help Your Elderly Loved Ones

• Help Them Stay Active: Make sure they have an exercise routine that suits them. Walking or climbing stairs can make their bones stronger and improve their balance.
• Make Their Home Safe: Look around the house for things that could trip them up. Clear away clutter, secure rugs, and add handrails where they might need extra support.
• Review Medications: Be aware of any side effects their medications might have. If something makes them feel dizzy or tired, talk to their doctor about it.
• Encourage Healthy Eating: Good nutrition is important. Make sure they’re getting enough vitamins, especially vitamin D for strong bones. Also, keep an eye on their alcohol intake to prevent balance problems.
• Eye and Vision Check: Regular eye and ear check-ups are important. Being able to see and hear well helps them notice things around them and keeps them steady on their feet. Hence, every six months get them checked.
• Take Care of their Feet: Keep their feet happy. Trim their toenails, and make sure they have comfy, supportive shoes. Uncomfortable shoes can make them wobbly.
• Improve Social Connection: Encourage them to spend time with friends and family. Being social is good for their mental health, and it keeps them alert and active.

Elderly Home Care For Seniors

Taking care of seniors is not just about their overall well-being but also about keeping them safe from falls, which can be a big concern. Caregivers make homes safer by removing things that might cause tripping and adding handrails. They also help seniors with exercises to make their muscles stronger and improve their balance. Keeping track of medications is important too, as some medicines can affect balance. Caregivers check in regularly on their health, creating a secure living environment and reducing the chances of falls to ensure that seniors stay happy and healthy.

Assisting Hands is a dedicated provider of senior home care services. Our care plans are personalized, compassionate, and reliable for seniors living in Florida. To schedule a consultation, call us at (813) 868-6782.