How to Prevent Falls in Older Adults: Simple Steps You Can Take

If you are a caregiver for an elderly parent, one of your biggest fears may be that they will fall. Falls are a leading cause of injury for seniors and can often lead to a decline in health and mobility.

According to the CDC, one in three adults over the age of 65 will fall each year. As our loved one's age, we must be aware of the dangers of falls and take steps to prevent them. In addition to the risk of death, falls can lead to severe injuries like hip fractures and head trauma.

While it's impossible to prevent all falls, there are some things you can do to minimize the risk. And if a fall occurs, you can take steps to ensure that your parent receives the best possible care.

Facts About Falls You Should Know

• Every year, about 36 million falls are reported among older adults—resulting in more than 32,000 deaths.

• Every year, around 3 million adults aged 65 and older visit the emergency room due to an injury from falling.

• One-fifth of all falls lead to injuries, like fractures or head trauma.

• Annually, at least 300,000 older individuals are hospitalized for fracturing their hip.

• The majority of hip fractures are caused by falling sideways.

• Women account for three-quarters of all hip fractures and are more susceptible to falls than men.

source: Centers For Disease Control And Prevention

Common Causes of Falls

There are many factors that contribute to falls, but some of the most common are muscle weakness, poor balance, vision problems, and medications that cause dizziness or drowsiness.

In addition, older adults are more likely to live alone. They may not have someone checking in on them regularly, making it more challenging to get help if they fall and cannot get up on their own.

Poor vision

One of the most common causes of falls is poor vision. If you can't see where you're going, you're more likely to trip and fall. So it's essential to have your loved-ones eyes checked regularly by an eye doctor to ensure their vision is as clear as possible.

Muscle weakness

Another common cause of falls is muscle weakness. As we age, our muscles become weaker and less able to support our body weight, making us more susceptible to falling. Therefore, staying active and exercising regularly is important to maintain muscle strength.

Balance problems

Balance problems are another common cause of falls. You're more likely to fall if you have trouble keeping your balance. Balance problems can be caused by various factors, including inner ear problems, neurological disorders, and medications.

Walking problems

Walking problems can also lead to falls. If you have difficulty walking, you may be more likely to trip and fall. Walking problems can be caused by a variety of factors, including muscle weakness, balance problems, and neurological disorders

Environmental hazards

Environmental hazards are another common cause of falls. If your home or workplace is not set up in a way that minimizes the risk of falls, you're more likely to fall. Some environmental hazards that can lead to falls include slippery floors, cluttered rooms, and uneven sidewalks.

How to Prevent Falls

There are several things you can do to help prevent falls. First, ensure your loved one's home is free of tripping hazards like loose rugs or electrical cords.

It's also essential to ensure they have good lighting throughout their home, inside and out. 

Finally, if your loved one has trouble getting around, consider installing grab bars in critical areas like the bathroom or near the stairs.

Simple Tips To Prevent Falls:

Exercise regularly

Exercise strengthens muscles and improves balance. For example, Tai chi and yoga are beneficial in reducing the risk of falls.

Schedule Regular Vision Checkups

Vision should be checked at least once a year, and vision problems should be treated promptly. Ensure your loved one's eyeglasses or contact lenses prescription is up-to-date and that they see an eye doctor for any vision problems that aren't corrected by glasses or contacts.

Older adults should also check their homes for proper lighting inside and outside the home to accommodate reduced vision. 

Remove tripping hazards

Take care of tripping hazards such as loose rugs or electrical cords. Consider installing grab bars in the bathroom and handrails on both sides of the stairways. 

Review all medications

Have your doctor or pharmacist review all prescriptions and over-the-counter medications to identify those that may cause side effects such as dizziness or drowsiness.

Consume Alcohol In Moderation

Alcohol consumption can worsen balance problems and increase the risk of falls.

What to Do if a Fall Does Occur

If your loved one does fall, it's essential to stay calm and call for help immediately if they're injured or unable to get up on their own. Try to move any furniture or other obstacles out of the way, so they have a clear path to the door. Once help arrives, follow up with their doctor so they can properly treat any injuries.

Falls can be serious, but with a bit of preparation, they can be prevented. Following the tips above, you can help keep your loved one safe from falls and ensure they enjoy a long, healthy life.

By keeping their home free of hazards, ensuring they have good lighting, and checking in with their doctor regularly, we can help our loved ones stay safe at home as they age.

At Universal Home Consultation, we understand the importance of aging in place and helping families feel confident that their loved ones can stay safe and healthy at home. We offer virtual home safety assessments to help families identify potential risks and create a plan to address them.

We would be honored to partner with you and your family to provide this valuable service. If you're interested in learning more or scheduling a free consultation, don't hesitate to get in touch with us today.

At Universal Home Consulting, we understand the importance of aging in place and helping families feel confident that their loved ones can stay safe and healthy at home. We offer virtual home safety assessments to help families identify potential risks and create a plan to address them. We also provide caregiver coaching to provide education and support to help prevent injury and burnout.