Breaking the Fall: Reducing the Risk of Falling for Older Adults
Every second of every day, an older adult falls in the United States. This is a staggering statistic, and it's one that we need to work to change. Falls can cause broken bones, serious head injuries, or even death. When someone falls, it often leads to a fear of falling again. This creates greater anxiety and withdrawal from certain daily activities, which in turn increases the risk of falling. In this blog post, we'll discuss ways to reduce the risk of falling for older adults. Stay safe out there!
Falls are the most common cause of health-related deaths in older people.
If you have a disability, you are also more likely to fall at home if you are someone who tires easily or if any of the following apply:
Loss of Hearing
Vision changes
Joint pain
Changes in sensation, muscular weakness, or other problems affecting the lower body
Taking more than three medications greatly increases your risk, so it's critical to know and understand the common side effects of each drug you're taking and to always consult your doctor before using any herbal or non-prescription medication. If you're taking several medicines, talk to your doctor about your fall danger.
There are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of falling:
Exercise regularly. This will help improve your balance and strengthen your muscles. Regular exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of falling by as much as 40%.
Make sure the rooms in your home are well-lit and clear away any clutter. Use motion sensor lights near all possible entrances into your home for both safety and eco-friendly reasons. This way, you won't ever need to fumble around for keys or door handles in the dark, risking injury. Plug-in nightlights are a great idea for stairwells too since they use very little electricity but will provide enough light to keep your path lit at all hours of the day or night. Keep your home tidy by removing obstacles from pathways and using furniture to block off areas you don't want people walking in.
Install handrails on both sides of any stairs in your home, and make sure they're firmly attached. Stair banisters and handrails are simple ways to make modest modifications. Install banisters and handrails on staircases to make small adjustments. Arrange your household furnishings in a way that supports your movements. Keep things you use regularly within arm's reach to minimize the need for using a step stool. When considering whether or not to install grab bars in the bathroom, keep in mind that it may be a particularly dangerous place—particularly when the floor or your feet are wet—so installing them is vital. Avoid locking the bathroom door and always have access to emergency services while inside. Shower chairs and benches are also available.
What do I do if I fall at home?
Although you cannot always control when a fall occurs, it is important to stay calm if it does happen. If you feel dizzy or confused after falling, or if you think you may have hit your head or sustained any injuries, you should call 911 as soon as possible.
If you're living alone or are ever by yourself in the house for any period of time, it's crucial to have a way to summon help if you fall and can't get up. Talk with your friends, family members, or caregivers about what system would work best for you- whether that's a phone, a mobile device that you can keep on your person, or a medical alert necklace/bracelet. Some systems even have sensors that detect falls and send for assistance without needing to be manually activated; this is ideal in case of an unconscious fall or injury.
It may also be a good idea to have someone nearby who can contact you each day at an appointed time, and knows they should ask for help if they don't hear from you.
If we want to avoid falls around the house, it's important to take note of risk factors, make modifications to the home environment as needed, and stay active. Always bring up any concerns with your doctor or other medical care providers--it's crucial. And please be sure that you always have a means of calling for assistance close by; even if fingers are crossed that such plans will never need enacting...it's always better to be safe than sorry. Until next time, stay vertical!
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact us. Here at North Florida Medical we would love to hear from you! Thanks for reading!
