According to the CDC, older adults aged 65+ suffer a fall in the US, making falls the leading cause of injury and injury death in this age group. There are many ways to help seniors avoid the risk of falls including routine preventative doctor visits, daily exercise, and a healthy diet. The tips in this article primarily focus on preventing household falls through the safety of the physical home.
FACTS ABOUT OLDER ADULT FALLS
- About 36 million falls are reported among older adults each year.
- Each year, about 3 million older adults are treated in emergency departments for a fall injury.
- One out of every five falls causes an injury, such as broken bones or a head injury.
- Each year at least 300,000 older people are hospitalized for hip fractures.
- More than 95% of hip fractures are caused by falling—usually by falling sideways.
- Women fall more often than men and account for three-quarters of all hip fractures.
MAKING YOUR HOME SAFER
While you cannot prevent 100% of falls, there are precautions one can take to help minimize the risk.
1. Remove trip hazards
Identify and remove potential tripping hazards, such as throw rugs, electrical cords, and clutter on the floor. Ensure that there is ample space to walk freely and clearly throughout the house.
2. Install handrails
Install handrails on both sides of all stairs, and consider installing grab bars in the bathroom near the toilet and in the shower or tub. This will help seniors maintain their balance while moving around the house.
3. Improve lighting
Make sure that all areas of the house are well-lit, especially stairways and hallways. Consider adding night lights to help seniors see more clearly in the dark.
4. Wear appropriate footwear
Encourage seniors to wear shoes with non-slip soles that fit well and provide good support. Discourage walking around in socks, stockings or slippers.
5. Consider mobility aids
If necessary, consider providing seniors with mobility aids such as a cane or walker to help them maintain their balance and stability while walking. Also, if they have trouble getting up and down from chairs, consider using a raised toilet seat, or stable chairs with arms that are easy to get in and out of.
By implementing these measures, you can help seniors to stay safe and avoid falls in the home. In addition, you may find the CDC checklist to help identify and eliminate additional fall hazards in your home.
TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR
Understanding fall risks are the first step in creating a safe home for our loved ones and ourselves. In addition to a routine physical exam, you may have your prescriptions reviewed as well. Along with proper footwear, vision, and hearing checks can all play a part in decreasing your fall risk. At any time, if you or your loved one has had a fall, it is best to be checked by your doctor.
HOW SENIOR LIVING CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Senior Living communities like Priority Life Care can also help with fall risk with their 24/7 availability. Daily checks by staff and routine assessments are helpful for seniors who otherwise would be living alone. In the event a senior does have a fall, residents can use their emergency call system to have someone come right away.
If you’re interested in looking at communities near you, visit our Find a Community page.
