The most common cause of injury among older adults is falls. Most people lose their muscle strength and balance as they age; this can leave them prone to accidents. Knowing fall prevention, especially among elderly people and their caregivers, is very important in preserving their health and independence. In this blog, we cover topics related to understanding why elders are more prone to falls and techniques relevant to preventing falls among older adults. We believe that sharing knowledge about elderly fall prevention programs is an important part of education and care.
Why Are Falls Dangerous for the Elderly?
With advancing age, people have weaker bones, less flexible muscles, and slower reactions. This can affect their ability to either prevent a fall or to protect themselves in case of a fall. As such, a fall can result in serious injuries such as broken bones, head injuries, and even permanent disability. Older adults may also experience a loss of confidence, an aspect that diminishes their level of mobility and independence after suffering a fall. Therefore, elderly fall protection becomes an utmost priority for families and caregivers.
Tips on How to Prevent Falls in the Elderly
Preventing falls does not need to be a complicated task. Although it does require making a few simple alterations at home and being more careful. It is possible to prevent yourself or your elderly relatives that you are caring for, from serious injuries.
1. Keep Living Spaces Clear and Well-Lit
When maintaining the homes and living spaces of elderly people, one of the most important aspects is to reduce the risk of these individuals falling. Clear away items such as small carpets, wires, and other loose furniture that a person can easily trip over. All common walkways and access areas should be clear of any obstacles. Additionally, ensure that there is enough light in all rooms, corridors, and stairs to avoid the elderly suffering from poor eyesight, especially at night. With the aid of motion sensor lights and night lights, one can minimize their chances of falling when they are walking in the dark.
2. Install Handrails and Grab Bars
Handrails and grab bars are very useful if one needs support in equilibrium, especially in bathrooms and stairs. Installing grab bars in the shower where slips can happen due to water, beside the toilet, and along hallways, are useful for the elderly when they move around. These should be part of any home improvement plan for the prevention of falls in the elderly.
3. Encourage Regular Exercise
Staying fit is one of the most effective methods of enhancing balance and strength. Basic movement such as walking, stretching, or gentle weight lifting helps to lessen the chances of falling to a great extent. Balance retraining exercises aimed specifically at the aging population may help boost strength and improve the ability to balance. You may also wish to sign up for a local exercise class designed to improve balance or some senior fitness and wellness programs and classes.
4. Wear Proper Footwear
As for the elderly, footwear is significant when it comes to the prevention of falls. It is critical to wear appropriate shoes that are well-fitting, supportive, and have prophylactic non-slip surfaces. Do not include high-heeled shoes, flip-flops, or any pair that has a high-pure smooth surface to avoid the chances of falling. Non-skid socks can also be a great help, especially where the floors are non-carpeted.
5. Review Medications
Some medicines can cause drowsiness and dizziness as side effects, which tend to increase the fall risks. All the medicines prescribed should be clinically reviewed to avoid the unnecessary prescription of medicines. Being aware of any medication that may induce drowsiness and result in loss of coordination and balance; may help you alter your daily schedule to minimize movement after using that medication. Having medications be carefully monitored may contribute to elderly fall prevention.
How to Create an Elderly Fall Prevention Program
Elderly fall prevention has three stages – making changes to the environment, educating elderly people or their caregivers, and planning active follow-up patients’ health and mobility. In the following section, we describe how to develop this three-phased approach to fall prevention in more detail:
- Evaluate the Home: One should evaluate the house, looking for risks and suggesting modifications such as the installation of handrails, elimination of tripping risks, and improvement of light levels.
- Inform the people taking care of patients: Family members and caregivers should be aware of what the elderly person can do physically and how to provide that assistance effectively. This may include things like reviewing medication and altering daily routines if needed.
- Encourage Regular Review of Overall Health: Health matters such as vision problems, muscle weakness, or any other related issues are addressed early during routine check-up visits. It is important to go back to a healthcare provider regularly for the assessment of balance, mobility, and general health.
- Support Social and Physical Activity: Engagement in social activities and physical activities is a very important aspect of an elderly fall prevention program. Participating in classes to exercise, going out to walk with peers, and taking part in activities at senior centers can facilitate curtailing social withdrawal and enhance mobility function.
Elderly Fall Protection: Why It Matters
Elderly fall protection does not only guard against injuries but rather is a part of self-sufficiency and living one's life. It could empower old people to live freely and happily in their homes by taking measures to restrain falls. Whether it is making adjustments to the environment, remaining active, or getting frequent check-ups, elderly fall prevention stings, but it is necessary.
Here at FYZICAL of West Mesa, we provide elderly physical rehabilitation with a specialization in fall prevention and training of the elderly for balance purposes. We offer customized balance therapy programs to elderly residents of our nearby communities in Mesa, Gilbert, Scottsdale, Tempe, Chandler, and Phoenix. We work with our clients to create a custom balance and gait training program to help boost muscle power and balance. FYZICAL offers an advanced facility with a patient-centered approach and a well-trained specialized staff, to help seniors reach their health and activity goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which activities can be done to prevent falls in the elderly?
Basic exercises such as walking, doing leg raises, or balance exercises can enhance one’s strength and coordination. Elderly fall prevention can be achieved with programs designed particularly for the elderly, such as those by FYZICAL, which improve the level of mobility and stability.
2. How can medications increase the risk of falls in the elderly?
Some medicines come with negative side effects, which may involve dizziness, drowsiness, or weakness, and this increases the probability of losing one's balance. It's recommended that medication reviews are made frequently with a doctor in a bid to minimize these hazards.
3. What are the key features I should seek in an elderly fall prevention program?
An appropriate elderly fall prevention program should encompass home safety assessments, the use of balance and strength-training exercises, the provision of education for caregivers or family members, and the implementation of health status monitoring for mobility and general health.