The CDC has some sobering data: annually, 14 million (or 25% of) adults aged 65+ experience a fall. These numbers are just based on reported falls, so the statistics might be much higher.
Fall prevention is paramount for older adults, keeping them safe from injury. This is especially true for any seniors with health conditions that a fall can exacerbate, such as osteoporosis.
Fortunately, there are key tips and tricks that seniors can use, working to prevent a fall from occurring in the first place. This article has plenty of helpful information to help you or your loved ones safe from a fall.
Speak With a Physician
Certain medications can increase a person’s risk of falling. To determine if the medications a senior is taking can lead to a fall, always ask their physician or pharmacist.
If these medications aren’t a necessity, a physician may wean a person off them if preventing falls becomes more important than the issue the medication is treating.
These medications include (but aren’t limited to):
- Sedatives
- Antihistamines
- Antidepressants
When visiting with a doctor, always discuss any previous senior falls. Make a list of when the fall occurred and what led to it, along with the location. Talk with a physician about health conditions that can worsen a fall or increase the odds of serious injury, such as osteoporosis.
Physicians can check overall muscle strength, order bone density tests, and test to see how well a person walks and balances.
If your loved one is a severe fall risk, you may want to discuss a living assisted community with countless amenities to help them thrive.
Stay Active
By staying active, seniors can work to prevent falls from occurring. Just remember to speak with physicians to ensure physical activity is safe and approved.
There are plenty of ways older adults can improve overall senior health. This includes:
- Yoga
- Tai Chi
- Walking
- Strength training
- Pilates
- Swimming
- Cycling (on a stationary or recumbent bike)
No matter what a person’s ability level is, there is an exercise routine they can use to stay fit and work to prevent falls.
Exercising works to strengthen key muscles, including:
- Legs
- Hips
- Core
This helps older adults with their stability and balance, preventing falls in seniors.
If certain exercises increase a person’s chances of falling, a physician can recommend a special exercise program to ensure their safety.
Should a doctor say that walking is safe, consider taking a stroll around local area attractions. Walk with a friend and use this time to socialize and stay fit.
Invest In Good Shoes
The shoes a person wears play a role in how well they walk. This means that anyone who’s a fall risk should wear sensible shoes.
Shoes to avoid include:
High heels
- Flip flops/Floppy, loose-fitting slippers
- Clunky shoes or shoes without backs
- Shoes with slick soles
- Uncomfortable shoes
It’s also important to avoid walking with just socks or stockings on, as this can make feet slick and cause a potential fall.
Always look for shoes that fit properly and have a flat sole. Additionally, look for soles with nonskid surfaces. As a bonus, if you or your loved one suffers from joint pain, shoes that fit well may help to alleviate this joint pain.
Clean Up Your Home
A cluttered house can lead to a fall, so it’s recommended that you clean up your home or your loved one’s house. Look for items strewn about on the floor that can lead to a fall, such as boxes, newspapers, and anything else blocking walkways.
If there are phone cords or other wires on the ground, move them.
Evaluate the furniture layout. Does it pose a safety hazard? If so, consider moving the coffee table out of the way, or get rid of them altogether if they’re unnecessary. If a person is a fall risk, you may want to install furniture corner protectors, cushioning them in case of a fall.
Anytime spills occur, clean them up. Liquid on the floor of any kind can lead to a fall.
In the shower, ensure there are nonslip mats, stools, benches, and handrails to hold onto. Consider installing a walk-in shower to alleviate stepping in and out of a tub.
To prevent straining or the need for a stool while reaching for items, keep food, clothes, and all other daily items within arm’s reach.
Pay Attention to Flooring
Look for loose rugs. If you notice any move easily, secure them in place with double-sided tape or anti-slip mats. You can also purchase tacks to secure rugs in place.
Pay close attention to floorboards if the home has hardwood floors, especially on the stairs. If you find loose floorboards, fix them immediately.
Look at outdoor walkways and stairs. Are the steps all secure and in place? Secure any loose stones or bricks or call out a maintenance repair person to secure them for you.
Fix ripped carpeting, as it poses a trip hazard.
Use Plenty of Lights
A well-lit space can work to reduce the incidence of falls, so install plenty of lamps, night lights, and exterior lights to clearly see walkways.
There should always be lamps next to beds, so seniors don’t have to walk through a dark room in the middle of the night.
Flashlights should also be kept readily available in the event of a power outage.
Key Fall Prevention Strategies To Follow
By adhering to these fall prevention strategies, you can work to keep yourself and your loved ones safe from a fall. Although it’s not always possible to completely mitigate the risk of a fall, there are preventative steps you can take.
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Our amenities include on-site therapy, a pool and spa, small pets allowed, and countless other wonderful conveniences. Contact us today to learn more about our exclusive programs that foster senior independence.
