Falling down is one of the greatest threats to seniors. In fact, a 2020 report from the CDC revealed that falls among adults 65 and older caused in excess of 36,000 deaths, making it the leading cause of injury death for that group. When an older person falls, serious injury and a significant loss of mobility may result.  Elderly adults who experience these types of accidents can suffer broken bones or displaced joints that not only result in chronic pain – but can also inhibit independence and self-reliance.  Many of these incidents are completely avoidable by taking just a few precautions.

Families should strategize and think ahead to protect their loved ones from this significant risk.  If you or someone you care about is aging and losing balance, follow these easy steps that will help with avoiding falls:

  1. Clean Up Their Space: It sounds a little too simple, but decluttering is one of the easiest ways to protect your loved one from tripping and falling. Check that there are no wires across the floor, that there is plenty of room to navigate around furniture, and any transitions across doorways are secured. If your loved one tends to walk around at night, make sure hallways and doorways are adequately illuminated. (Check out these motion-activated night lights)
  2. Conduct a Safety Assessment: Are carpets fastened to the floor with double-sided tape?  Are stairways outfitted with grips or railings?  Loose floor coverings and steep stairs are often the cause of serious falls.  Taking some time to inspect the home for these hidden hazards can help to ensure safety.
  3. Add Safety Measures to Your Bathroom: The potential for slip and fall accidents in the bathroom is very common in bathrooms and typically involves water.  Here are some tips to  help ensure safety and avoid serious injury:
    • Install hand and guard railings in the bath and shower
    • Install a raised toilet seat with arms to provide needed support when sitting and standing
    • Install floor grips to the bathtub surface
    • Consider a walk-in bath in lieu of a traditional tub to avoid climbing over the side
    • Provide a bath seat with  needed toiletries  (shampoo and soap) within easy reach
  4. Pay Attention to Fitness: Maintaining strength through a daily walk or swimming in a pool can help to preserve mobility and strength, which can help to avoid falls. If your loved one already feels imbalanced, provide a walker or cane to help build strength.
  5. Consult with a Physician or Pharmacist: If your loved one has become unstable on their feet or is experiencing dizzy spells, it’s vital to schedule a medical appointment as soon as possible. There are medications that can cause these specific side effects. They are also symptoms of some medical conditions.  Getting a health evaluation and assessing prescriptions will help to determine any necessary changes going forward.  These may include assistive devices (cane, walker, or crutches), occupational therapy or physical therapy to strengthen muscles and maintain agility.
  6. Hire In-Home Care: Hiring an in-home caregiver can help your loved one perform everyday tasks, maintaining their lifestyle more safely. There are many options for in-home care that can minimize risk. Depending on health and requirements, your family member may ask for assistance with cooking and meal preparation, house cleaning, bathing and hygiene, laundry, and light medical care.

Minimizing the risk of falling should be a priority for families with elderly loved ones. If you have any questions, check out this information from the CDC.

Call My Care Finders for Help

Sometimes safety must take priority over independence. If it is time to find a senior living residence for your family member, My Care Finders can provide the expertise and guidance you need. Our services are FREE for families, and we are here to help.