Falling and Older People
For an older person, a fall can be a very serious event. Over 25 percent of people over the age of 65 fall each year, with the risk of falling increasing with age. Falls result in more than 2.8 million visits to the emergency room, and injuries sustained in falls can be the start of serious health problems, sometimes even leading to long-term disability. Many older adults are afraid of falling, but it’s important not to let the fear of falling put limitations on your activity. If you are an older adult, or you have a loved one who is older, there are some proactive measures you can take to prevent falls and promote good health.
Reasons for Increased Risk
Why are older people at increased risk of falling? There are many different factors that come into play. Muscular strength and mass tend to decrease with age, and older adults often have trouble with vision, hearing, or balance, all of which can play a role in fall risk. Additionally, certain medications can have side effects like dizziness, leading to an increased risk of falling. People with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia can be unsteady on their feet, and conditions like diabetes and heart disease can compromise balance, potentially leading to a fall. Sometimes, safety hazards in the home can increase the risk of falling.
Preventing Falls
There is no way to completely prevent all falls, but by following a few safety tips, you can decrease their likelihood.
- Talk to a healthcare provider. An older person concerned about falling should make an appointment to discuss fall prevention strategies and assess the risk of falling. Medications, prior falls, health conditions, and any challenges at home should be discussed with the doctor, who can help create strategies to avoid falls. A doctor can also check vision and hearing, making recommendations for assistive devices like glasses or hearing aids.
- Regular exercise is important. Activities like water workouts, walking, tai chi, and even active hobbies like gardening, biking, dancing, and golf can help maintain muscle tone while improving strength, balance, coordination, and flexibility. Climbing stairs, hiking, dancing, and weight training are all good for helping to build bone strength and slow the progression of osteoporosis, reducing the risk of broken bones.
- Eating a nutritious diet can help prevent falls and injury. Smart eating includes maintaining adequate levels of calcium, protein, and vitamin D, and limiting alcohol consumption. Medications should be taken as prescribed, typically with food.
- Dress for success. Sensible shoes, a fanny pack to keep hands free, and an assistive device like a cane or walker are all great accessories for staying safe from falls.
- Fall-proof the house. Look at your home with a critical eye, checking for potential fall hazards. Then go room by room and take the following measures to make the house safer.
- Keep walkways clear.
- Remove throw rugs to prevent slipping or tripping.
- Immediately repair anything hazardous and clean up any spills.
- Keep rooms well lit, with night lights for late night bathroom trips and a bedside light within reach.
- Make the house more accessible, with grab bars in the bathroom, non-slip mats in the shower, handrails on both sides of the stairs, and so on.
- Store items within easy reach, to avoid climbing on chairs or stepladders.
Having Help Can Prevent Falls
While many older people relish the independence that comes with aging in place, sometimes living alone can increase the risk of falling. Having the right help at home can make a big difference not only in preventing falls, but also in helping an older person lead a more satisfying, healthier, and more independent life. At BrightStar Care of Delray Beach, Florida, we work hard to deliver the right care for older people and to be a partner their loved ones can turn to for support. Because we believe that caring is more than just a job, our team of nurses, therapists, CNAs, and caregivers offer the most professional compassionate care available. In the comforting, familiar surroundings of home, we offer a full range of care services to meet your loved one’s needs and help you when you need it most. Visit our website to contact us or apply now, or call 561-921-0550 to learn more about joining the BrightStar Care family.