More than 25% of people age 65 or older fall each year. An occasional fall for the person you care for is bad enough, especially if it results in broken bones or worse. But what happens when your parent keeps falling? They could face developing a disability, which might lead to them losing their independence.
Protecting your loved one starts with understanding the underlying causes and risk factors of repeated falling.
1. Recognize the Underlying Causes
Many factors contribute to falls, especially chronic medical conditions. Osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, diabetes, neurological disorders (e.g., Parkinson’s), heart disease, hypertension and sarcopenia (age-related loss of muscle mass) are some of the many conditions that can increase the risk of a fall.
Other health-related risk factors include:
- Incontinence
- Worsening eyesight
- Hearing loss
- Poor balance
- Pain in hips, knees, ankles or feet
- Reliance on supports for walking, standing up or sitting down
- Cognitive impairment
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Alcohol and drug use disorders
- Changes in sleeping habits
- Fear of falling
Medications and Falls
Your loved one’s medications may increase the risk of falling. Older patients who take antidepressants, sedatives or hypnotics and anti-epileptic medication may be more likely to have repeated falls. Additionally, taking four or more prescription medications daily can increase the risk of falling.
Always ask about the side effects of any new medication your health care professional prescribes and how it interacts with their other medications. A prescription review with a doctor may reduce the number of medications your parent takes, helping them avoid unnecessary side effects and interactions.
Figuring Out the Risk Factors
Frequent falls happen because of a combination of risk factors. You and your loved one, working with their care team, can help identify these factors early. The National Council on Aging’s Falls Free CheckUp is a good place to begin.
2. Make Home Safety Modifications
It’s possible to dramatically lower the chances of a fall with a few changes. The AARP, National Institute on Aging and National Council on Aging can help you get started. It’s important to learn about the variety of potential fall risks at home for older adults so you can safeguard against accidents.
Here are several key pointers for evaluating the safety of your space:
- Is the lighting adequate in every room?
- Are staircases, entryways and hallways well-lit?
- Is the furniture arranged in a way that’s easy to navigate?
- Is there clutter in high-traffic areas?
- Are there cords or throw rugs that could trip someone?
- Do the stairs have handrails?
- Are there bars near the toilet and in the shower?
- Does your loved one have easy access to the things they use the most?
Fall-Proof the Home
Here are some relatively easy changes to make around the house:
- Consider installing a grab bar on the front door to help with balance.
- Change lightbulbs to improve visibility. LEDs will last longer and provide brighter light at a lower wattage.
- Remove area rugs when possible. If you don’t move it, secure it — and all area rugs and door mats — with double-sided carpet tape.
- Add motion-activated night lights in the hallway to the bathroom.
- Arrange the furniture to create unobstructed pathways.
- Secure tall bookcases to the wall. It may keep your loved one from pulling the bookcase down on top of themselves if they fall near it.
- Keep necessities nearby. Put clothing, dishes and food within easy reach. Make sure the phone, the TV remote, lamps and other frequently used items are always easily accessible.
Focus on the Bathroom
Bathroom falls are common. With all the hard surfaces that are usually in a washroom, it can easily result in an ER visit. Here are a few ways to make the bathroom safer:
- Buy a waterproof chair or bench for the shower or tub.
- Use rubber-backed bath mats.
- Install grab bars inside and outside tubs and showers and near the toilet.
- Install waterproof shelves in the shower to make it easier to reach soap, shampoo and other bathroom supplies.
- Install a walk-in shower.
- Replace the showerhead with a handheld nozzle.
- Install a taller toilet or toilet seat raiser.
- If you’re caring for your father or another elderly male relative, encourage him to urinate sitting down.
3. Turn to Technology: Wearable Fall Detection
Digital devices can detect falls and automatically alert certain contacts and responders that help is needed. And they’re constantly being improved.
- Dedicated fall-detection tools, including wearable sensors, typically include GPS tracking and an emergency call button. They’re often accurate and easy to use. But many have a limited battery life, and most require purchase and a monthly subscription fee.
- Many fitness trackers and smartwatches include fall-detection features. Many innovative gadgets for seniors are easy to use and discreetly help you keep an eye on them. They can be worn comfortably all day so they’re less likely to be left behind, and since it’s modern tech a lot of people use, no one will suspect it’s your fall-detection device. But they can be costly, less accurate and more prone to false alarms. Additionally, their batteries may need frequent charging.
- Smartphone fall-detection apps use the phone’s sensors to detect falls and will send an alert to designated emergency contacts. They’re also discreet, but they may not be as accurate.
- Home-based systems use strategically placed sensors and cameras to monitor movement and detect falls. They will then alert a caregiver or monitoring center. The obvious downside is that these only work in the home.
Consider the options and match the fall-detection device to your loved one’s lifestyle and preferences. Is cost an issue? What about battery life? Does your parent like to go on long walks alone? If so, you may want to look into GPS tracking.
There are also privacy and data security to consider. If your parent fears the constant monitoring of their movements, they may stop using the device. Review privacy policies to understand who has access to the data and how they plan to use it, then discuss the options with your loved one to find the optimal balance between safety and privacy.
4. Caregiver Support: Empathetic Communication Matters
Approach the topic of falls sensitively. Let your parent know you love them and care about their health. Share specific examples of recent falls, but don’t accuse or blame. Use “I” statements, such as, “I was so worried last time you tripped trying to get to the bathroom.”
Involve them in discussions about changing their home. You can start by talking about simple changes, such as securing rugs and putting in night lights. Other changes may take more time and require more delicacy, such as explaining why you think they need a fall-detection device or geo-locating tracker.
If you can, build a team of friends, family members and health care professionals to help. Ask a trusted doctor or relative to explain why changes are needed. If you enlist others who care about your parent to discuss the changes, you’ll have a support system in case your parent pushes back or resists.
5. Know When to Seek Medical Help for a Fall
Seek immediate emergency care if the fall results in a head injury, loss of consciousness or severe pain. If your loved one is confused, it would be advisable to contact their physician if they have things like bumps, bruises, small skin tears or minor aches/pains.
They’ll probably want to evaluate your loved one right away. In the hours and days after the fall, look for signs such as swelling, bruising, severe pain and changes in behavior or cognitive function. These may indicate a serious injury. It is important to communicate all fall occurrences with your loved one’s primary physician as they may have guidance or insight about the fall.
Commit to Preventing Future Falls
When your elderly loved one keeps falling, it can be distressing. However, by identifying the causes, ensuring home safety, using wearable technology, maintaining open communication and seeking medical help when needed, you can reduce their risk and improve your peace of mind.
BrightStar Care® Is Here to Help
BrightStar Care Caregivers are well-trained in fall prevention and safety and are prepared to approach the issue compassionately when falls become frequent. Whether you're looking for in-home care services or assisted living for your loved one or a reliable medical staffing partner for your organization, our experienced local care team members are ready to help. Find a location near you, contact us online or call (866) 618-7827 to learn more about how BrightStar Care offers A Higher Standard®.