Seniors and families are often quite worried about falls, and with good reason. A review of current literature on this subject indicates falls are the number one cause of injuries in seniors, with one in three people over age 65 experiencing a fall every year. Falls can result in hip fractures, cuts, and even serious head and brain injuries that can be fatal. Even when there’s no serious injury, a fall can still be so frightening that older people may avoid certain activities because they’re afraid they’ll fall again, which may cause social isolation and a loss of independence.
Where do falls happen?
Research shows that approximately 50% of falls occur inside the home and an additional 25% occur outside but nearby the house, such as in the garden, with the remainder occurring away from the home. Often it is the familiarity of the home environment that can create a false sense of security.
However, there are some proven and useful strategies to prevent falls, starting with creating a safe living space. Even a few small changes can significantly improve safety at home.
Here are some important tips compiled from a range of senior care professionals:
- Clean up clutter. The easiest method for preventing falls is to keep your home neat and tidy. Keep walkways clear, and remove clutter such as stacks of old newspapers and magazines. If you use a stick or walker to get around, this is especially important so that these items don’t catch on anything in the home.
- Repair or remove trip hazards. Examine your home for items such as loose carpet, slippery throw rugs, or floorboards that may stick up, and then repair, remove, or replace those items for more effective falls prevention.
- Install grab bars and handrails. These devices improve the safety of going up and down stairs, getting on and off the toilet, and stepping in and out of the shower or bathtub. Have a handyman or family member help with this if necessary.
- Avoid loose clothing. Choose better-fitting and properly hemmed clothing that doesn’t bunch up or drag on the ground.
- Effective lighting. Consider installing brighter light bulbs, particularly in stairways and narrow hallways. Add night-lights in bedrooms and bathrooms for better guidance when getting up in the night.
- Wear sturdy shoes. Socks or loose fitting footwear can present a slipping risk. Wearing comfortable, stable shoes at home can prevent falls. You can also purchase non-slip socks that have grips on the soles of the feet if shoes are too uncomfortable.
- Address slippery surfaces. Bathtubs and showers, floors in kitchens, bathrooms, and porches, can become dangerous when wet. Non slip mats, or coating floors with non-slip treatments can help, as can cleaning up spills immediately.
- Live on one level. Even with precautions like rails, stairs can present a falling hazard, so if it is possible, consider living on one level.
Modifications to the home can be considered by using this home safety checklist. An assessment by a community occupational therapist can be arranged through a doctor’s referral.
In addition to the above points, there are some habits and precautions you can also adopt to safeguard against the risk of falls.
- Move more carefully. Many people fall at home by moving too quickly from a sitting to a standing position and vice versa. Preventing falls like this by taking your time. Pause after going from lying down to sitting and from sitting to standing and take a pause before using the railing on stairs, whether going up or down.
- Medication and blood pressure review by your doctor. Certain drugs can increase the risk of falls in seniors and blood pressure that substantially drops when you stand or change position is quite common in older adults, especially on medication to lower blood pressure. This can cause light-headedness and lead to falls.
- Gait and balance evaluation. Seniors at risk for falls should be observed getting up and walking during a doctor’s visit. If the person seems unsteady, it can be helpful to refer them for a formal gait and balance evaluation by a physiotherapist.
Falls in seniors can be frightening and may result in serious injury. Taking a proactive approach to the risk of falls at home by considering these points can go a long way to prevention care. Consider discussing this article with your family and doctor to help safeguard your risk. SHARE this on your Facebook and your friends can learn the importance of fall prevention.
Author: Natalie Mitchell, Registered Occupational Therapist