One of the biggest fears for those aged 65+ is falling, and for good reason. Each year, millions of older adults are injured in serious falls that cause head injuries, broken bones, and hip fractures. Far too many injured seniors lose their independence permanently as a result. As an informal caregiver helping your aging-in-place loved one avoid falls should be a priority. Here are 5 safety tips for seniors to include on your fall-prevention checklist.
Why Are Seniors More Fall Prone?
In an average year, roughly 800,000 seniors in the US are hospitalized after experiencing a serious fall. Sadly, more than 27,000 of those victims die because of fall-related complications.
Once the average adult reaches age 60, they are more fall prone for reasons like:
- Diminished balance, coordination, and flexibility
- Muscle weakness
- Certain chronic illnesses and medical conditions
- Medications that cause dizziness, slowed motor responses, and low blood pressure
- Cognitive impairment (dementia, Alzheimer’s, etc.)
- Vision problems
- Not getting enough exercise
- Malnutrition
A fear of falling also keeps many aging in place seniors from staying active and socially engaged, neither of which is good for their health and wellbeing.
Devising a Good Fall-Prevention Strategy for Seniors
Fortunately, most falls that injure seniors are preventable. To help ensure a higher quality of life for your loved one, include these 5 key points in your fall-prevention strategy:
Ask for permission
For reasons like pride and privacy many older adults don’t like others telling them what to do- especially their own children. Sit down and respectfully share your concerns with your loved one, along with ways you’d like to help. If you face resistance, share specific examples of seniors who were seriously hurt while falling, including any who were forced to move from their homes as a result.
Safe-proof the home
Once you have permission, look for ways to make your loved one’s home environment safer. Safety modifications that you may want to consider include:
- Bathroom. Install grab bars in the bathing area and near the toilet. Place non-skid strips in the tub and remove slippery throw rugs from the room. Make sure the bathroom has adequate lighting and get them a shower seat and hand-held shower nozzle.
- Trip hazards. Eliminate trip and fall hazards around the home, like small pieces of furniture, electrical cords, and area rugs. If they own a pet, make sure that its bed, food, and water bowls are stored away from foot traffic areas.
- Stairways. Attach secure railings on both sides of the stairs and make sure that the steps have plenty of light. If your loved one has vision problems, place fluorescent strips on the front of each step.
Schedule them an eye exam
If you notice your senior squinting a lot, take them to the eye doctor for an examination. Sometimes a new pair of eyeglasses goes a long way in preventing falls. If your loved one has bifocals make sure they know how to use them safely while negotiating stairs.
Get their balance tested
If your senior holds onto walls or furniture just to get around schedule them a balance test. Based on the results they may need an assistive device like a walker or cane to help support their weight. Because regular exercise improves balance, coordination, and muscle strength, encourage your loved one to participate in low-impact forms of exercise like Yoga, walking, or water aerobics. For added protection find them a pair of comfortable shoes with non-skid soles.
Medication management
Certain prescription and OTC medications can cause drowsiness and affect balance, especially ones that contain sleep aids or strong pain relievers. Not taking medications as prescribed can also cause light-headedness and poor balance. Devise a good medication management system for your loved one and consult their doctor about possible side effects.
We’re Here to Help Seniors With Fall Prevention and Safety
Keeping an aging loved one safe can be challenging when you’re busy or live far away. At Assisting Hands of Boston Northwest, we are a locally owned home care provider that specializes in quality care solutions that help seniors stay safe and comfortable right where they want to be. While serving as an extended family in the home, our professional caregivers can deliver in-home personal care and support ranging from companionship and fall prevention, to respite care, dementia care, and even 24-hour and live-in care.
While proudly serving clients and families in the Bedford, Winchester, Concord, and Northwest Boston areas, we’re committed to providing the highest quality of care possible while empowering those we serve with dignity and respect. To learn more now or to schedule a FREE assessment please visit us today at Assisting Hands Home Care of Boston Northwest!
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