With advancing age, seniors over the age of 65 become physically frail due to ailments and age-related conditions and, as a result, are more prone to falling. While most falls may not always lead to injuries, one out of five falls results in serious injuries such as broken bones and head injuries. Emergency departments recorded over 3 million cases of older adult falls in 2020. Falls, besides negatively impacting the health of seniors, are at a greater risk for injuries and difficult recoveries, which can considerably affect the skills required by them to live independently.
This blog offers vital information on one of the major challenges for seniors, the risk of falling. It also highlights the important role of caregivers in fall prevention in older adults.
Falls are a common cause of injury, particularly among older adults, but they can affect people of all ages. Understanding the risk factors associated with falls can help individuals and healthcare professionals take preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of falling. Here are some important risk factors that may cause falling for seniors:
Falls are the primary cause of mortality and morbidity among seniors. They often result in disabilities adversely affecting older adults and their caregivers. Also, the fear of falling makes seniors compromise on their activities, leading to inferior quality of life characterized by loss of independence and social isolation. So, it becomes important that all seniors must be educated about elderly fall prevention strategies that they must adopt and practice in their daily activities to protect themselves from falls and their devastating consequences.
Seniors who attend a community or physical therapy fall prevention program have been found to live independent and more active lives as they are equipped to reduce their risk of falling. This confidence to move around without the fear of falling is reflected in their overall physical and mental health and improved quality of life.
Seniors may also fall due to environmental hazards such as:
Falls in and around the house are more often caused by these hazards. Seniors who undergo an elderly fall prevention program are made aware of such risks, which may include dimly lit spaces, cluttered or uneven floors, slippery surfaces, loose carpets, and other similar risks within and outside the home. This helps them to take effective safety measures to fall-proof their homes to counter environmental hazards, which reduces the risks of falling.
Seniors can reduce their fall risks and also the extent of injuries by adopting the following protective measures:
Exercising regularly and being physically active enable seniors to stay healthier and stronger. Exercise routines like walking, weight training, yoga, or tai chi help the joints, ligaments, and tendons remain flexible, and there is an overall improvement in muscle build-up, coordination, and balance.
Seniors can maintain good bone health by taking foods rich in nutrients such as calcium, potassium, protein, magnesium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and fluorides. Eating a healthy diet can defer the onset of osteoporosis, a bone-debilitating disease. For those suffering from osteoporosis, the rate of loss in bone density is reduced by having lots of fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins.
Vision or hearing-related issues, if overlooked, can increase the risk of falls. While reduced vision may prevent seniors from noticing impediments in their way, ear disorders may lead to missing out on vital audio cues and even balance issues. Regular eye checkups and hearing evaluations are essential fall prevention measures. Also, seniors with new glasses or hearing aid must ensure they are adjusted well to the device to reduce falls.
Seniors who take prescription and nonprescription medications and supplements must get them reviewed by their physician. Certain medicines such as antihistamines, sedatives, and antidepressants may impact their alertness and mobility leading to a fall. The physician may replace or stop the usage of medicines that may increase the risk of falling.
Caregivers play a significant role in fall prevention in older adults. They are qualified professionals with the requisite experience and skills to empower seniors to lead independent and fulfilling lives by helping them identify potential fall risk factors and provide effective solutions. Their services include:
Providing round-the-clock care for the elderly can affect the caregiver’s physical and mental health. Respite care services provide relief to those people who act as caregivers for their family members. It includes offering temporary care for the senior while the regular caregiver takes a well-deserved break.
Mishaps inside the home occur due to the senior’s delayed response to environmental hazards. The in-home care prioritizes their safety within their home. While fall prevention is an important component of in-home care, it also covers services ranging from exit plans during a fire alarm to emergency contact procedures.
Maintaining basic hygiene can be challenging for seniors and their family members. Personal care and hygiene services take care of their overall personal and oral hygiene, including assistance in bathing, dressing, and toilet and incontinence care. Also, the caregiver, while offering the service, is trained to identify warning signs that may trigger health complications.
Seniors often forget to take their medicines. Since they depend on the medications for their overall well-being, missing a dose may seriously affect their health. Medical care services ensure seniors take their medications on time and at the right dosage.
Often seniors face mobility issues that hamper their independence. Physical assistance care offers services such as wheelchair assistance that enable them to move independently. The service also provides housekeeping tasks that include support in doing several household chores like bed making, grocery shopping, and laundry and ironing.
Fall among older adults is common and may have serious consequences ranging from injuries and loss of mobility to fear of falling and reduced independence. However, with proper education, adoption of fall-prevention measures, and effective support from caregivers, seniors can live fuller and independent lives uncompromised by the fear and risks of falling.
At Newport Home Care, our team of caregivers is committed to providing the highest standards of 24-hour in-home care services to seniors. Our services, characterized by dignity, integrity, and compassion, help them to maintain their independence and enhanced quality of life.
If you are looking for quality home care solutions near you in Orange County, CA, call us at 949-514-8303 today.