Tips to Prevent Falls in the Elderly

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Falls can affect seniors in many ways. If a senior falls and is injured, their ability to live independently decreases. Even a fall that does not cause an injury can limit confidence and the ability to be comfortable living independently. Read on to learn how anyone can prevent falls and remain safe for independent living.

Why Do We Fall?

• Environmental Reasons
• Physical Reasons

Environmental Reasons

Indoor Environment Lighting Clutter Extension cords Lack of handrails Scatter rugs Pets

Outdoor Environment Lighting Lack of handrails Uneven walking surfaces Mother Nature

 

Physical Reasons

Changes in Our Bodies Vision Strength & Flexibility Balance Changes in sleep patternsChronic Health Conditions High blood pressure Heart Problems Difficulty controlling bladderMedications Prescriptions Over the counter Physician/nurse/pharmacist monitoring

Tips for Preventing Falls

Indoor Lighting
Make sure stairways and hallways have bright light. Always try to use the highest wattage allowed in the bulb. Night lights for those middle of the night trips to the bathroom can make a big difference in preventing falls.

Clutter
Just having things out of place can cause falls. When objects are out of their normal place, they can be overlooked and tripped over.

Extension cords
Find a way to arrange your furniture so that the extension cords are out of the way.

Lack of handrails
Don’t use the soap or towel holder for a grab bar or handrail. It wasn’t designed to hold the weight of a human being.

Scatter rugs
Be sure all throw rugs or scatter rugs have a non skid backing.

Pets
Somehow these precious little creatures manage to get under our feet and can cause a fall. Be aware of where your pet is and be careful when visiting others who have pets too.

Outdoor Lighting
Is just as important as indoor lighting. Use all the available outdoor lights whenever possible. Sensor lights are available that will turn on whenever there’s movement. That’s good for you and bad for intruders.

Lack of handrails
Use handrails on all steps no matter how easy the steps are to climb or how many times you’ve been up and down them before.

Uneven walking surfaces
Be sure to avoid broken sidewalks or areas under construction, if at all possible.

Mother Nature
Mother Nature presents many hazards of falling. Snow is the greatest culprit. When you’re out in your cars, park where it is clear of snow and ice. Try to keep your driving to daylight hours so that you are able to see the patches of ice on the streets and in the parking lots. A bag of kitty litter (the non-clumping kind) in your car, with a scoop made from cutting off the bottom a half gallon milk or orange juice container, can be used to create traction and help you get out when your car is stuck. Use the buddy system. Let someone know where you are or ,better yet, take a friend with you when you travel.

Changes in Our Body
Some of the reasons seniors tend to fall more often are changes in vision, lack of flexibility, less muscle strength, especially in our legs, and changes in sleep patterns. It is important to have an eye examination every year and wear the glasses as prescribed by the eye doctor. Exercise on a regular basis can increase muscle strength and flexibility and improve balance. Regular exercise will help you sleep better as well.

Chronic Health Conditions
High blood pressure and heart problems can cause dizziness that can lead to falls. Remember to get up from a laying down position slowly if you have heart problems or high blood pressure. Many elders fall while trying to make a run for the restroom because of difficulty controlling the bladder. Talk to your doctor about what can be done for this condition. This will help reduce your risk of falling.

Medications
Both prescription medications and over the counter medications can cause side effects such as dizziness or drowsiness. Talk to your nurse, physician, or pharmacist about the side effects to expect from your medication. If the side effects continue, talk to you physician about changing the medication. Make sure if you see more than one physician that each one knows ALL the drugs you’re taking. Take all of your medications, including over the counter medications with you each time you visit the doctor. This way the doctors will be able to see exactly what you’re taking and how much.