5 Top Tips: How to Prevent Falls for Seniors

Did you know that seniors are more likely to be injured in falls than any other age group? It’s true. That’s because as we get older, our bones become weaker and less resilient. On top of that, seniors often have compromised balance or vision problems which can lead to falls. If you’re a senior, here are some tips for preventing falls in your own home:

1) What are falls and why do they happen?

Falls are the leading cause of injuries in adults aged 65 or older. Falls can happen for many reasons, including dizziness, arthritis, loss of balance, and Parkinson’s disease. Falls are not just about an injury. A fall could also result in one’s goals being disrupted or that leads to depression, social isolation, or other negative impacts on an aging person’s mental well-being.

Tips for preventing falls include wearing shoes that provide strong support. Shoes should be sturdy and have a good grip on the bottom of the shoe. Wearing too-thin socks can also be an issue. For seniors, walking with a cane or walking poles (also known as hiking sticks) is often helpful. These items can give support and stability. The use of a cane or walking poles should be carefully adjusted to suit everyone’s needs. It is also important to take medications as prescribed. If the dosage is incorrect, this can lead to dizziness, poor balance, and other issues that could lead to falls. Finally, alcohol and drugs must be limited or avoided completely for seniors. Alcohol and drugs exacerbate the problems that come with age.

Falls are often debilitating for aging adults. As more people grow older, it is important to understand how to prevent falls whenever possible. By following these simple tips, one can maintain a healthy lifestyle with fewer falls.

2) How to prevent falls

Senior falls are a common problem and can be devastating. A lot of people think they can tell when they’re going to fall, but the truth is that you never know. There are many things you can do to prevent falls, including:

• Wearing sturdy shoes
• Avoiding drugs and alcohol
• Taking medications as prescribed
• Eating a healthy diet
• Getting adequate sleep
• Exercising regularly (adjusted for specific conditions)
• Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration

3) Signs that someone is at risk of falling

The behavior of people is not the only sign that someone might be at risk of falling. Some other signs to look out for are decreased mobility or balance, feeling dizzy or woozy, difficulty walking or remaining upright, and vision problems. Certain medications may also increase the risk of falls in some people, such as antidepressants (which can create sedation), drugs for blood pressure (which can cause dizziness), and diuretics (which cause dehydration).

4) Types of fall prevention equipment available on the market today

The most common fall prevention equipment that is available on the market today are ankle braces, knee straps, and wrist guards.

• Ankle braces – Ankle braces are made of neoprene material, so they are soft but have some rigidity to them. The brace clips over the shoe’s tongue and is attached to the top of the shoe with an elastic strap. They provide support for patients who need help with balancing.
• Knee straps – Knee straps are usually made of fabric or cotton that is lined with neoprene cushioning. The strap fits around the kneecap and attaches to each side of the shoe at the backside near the heel.
• Wrist guards – Wrist guards are made of hard plastic that is curved at the ends. The top edge sits under the wrist bones and the lower edge extends down to cover part of the palm. Many have a hole in them to allow for better ventilation.

Many seniors wear stylish shoes with laces, which can cause problems when needing to put on a shoe quickly. If seniors must stop and tie their laces, they could struggle or fall if they can’t catch themselves properly. Oftentimes, their shoes have the decorative shoelace holes which cannot be used for proper shoes because it is not built correctly from the perspective of being able to tie them up. Recommendations for seniors to buy shoes with Velcro, which is easier.

Another thing for seniors to consider is that they should not wear any shoe that has a heel on it more than two inches (2″), but the best idea would be not wearing one at all. This will help them avoid losing their balance when walking or standing because of the lack of stability.

5) Monitor Meds, Alcohol & Exercise

Many seniors take medications for various reasons. Some medications may affect balance and increase the chance of falling. It is important for seniors to consult their doctor or pharmacist about any side effects they could be having from medication.

Another thing that can lead seniors to experience more falls is consuming alcohol or any drugs that are not taken as prescribed. Drugs and alcohol can also increase the risk of falls for all seniors, so if they are taking them, it is important to reduce their intake.

If you or someone you know has difficulties with balance when walking, make sure to visit your health care professional. It is easier to prevent problems before they happen than to fix them.

Another thing that can help seniors prevent falls is exercising regularly. This will make their muscles stronger which will improve stability. When a senior exercises, blood flow increases which nourishes the joints and muscles. Regular exercising is another important way that seniors can reduce their risk of falling.

Homecare for Seniors

As seniors age, they are more likely to need help with fall prevention. If you’re struggling to find reliable home health care providers or want to learn more about how your loved ones can stay safe in their homes without worrying about falls, please contact us today for a free consultation!

We’ll review what is needed and work closely with them until everything has been taken care of. Our team specializes in helping families with the challenges that come when caring for an aging senior who may be at risk of falling often. Serving seniors in Haddon & Cherry Hill NJ.

 

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