Senior Fall Prevention: Reducing the Risk
25% of seniors, age 65 or older, fall each year. While the risk cannot be completely eliminated, there are fall prevention measures that we can and should take.
As we age, our risk of falling increases. In fact, falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths in older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one out of four Americans aged 65 or older falls each year, resulting in more than 2.8 million injuries treated in emergency departments annually.
Falls can have serious consequences for seniors, including hip fractures, head injuries, and other debilitating conditions that can lead to a loss of independence and quality of life. Fortunately, there are steps that seniors and their caregivers can take to reduce the risk of falls.
In this blog post, we will discuss some practical tips and strategies for senior fall prevention.
Before we dive into our tips, did you know that Comfort Keepers, located in Inver Grove Heights, can help your senior loved one in Inver Grove Heights or the surrounding area remain independent, at home? We offer personalized in-home care services including both personal care and companion care. We would love to help your loved one remain independent, engaged, and safe.
Here are 7 quick and actionable fall-prevention tips:
Physical Activity
Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of falls in older adults. Exercise helps improve balance, strength, flexibility, and coordination – all important factors in preventing falls. You can help your senior loved one by encouraging them to remain active. There are many places in Inver Grove and the surrounding communities where seniors can get exercise.
Seniors should aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each day. This can include activities such as walking, cycling, swimming, or yoga. If your loved one has mobility challenges consult with their doctor or a physical therapist before they begin an exercise program.
The City of Inver Grove Heights has a great list of senior-friendly activities for people aged 55 and older. This list is updated regularly and is a great place to find resources.
Home Modifications
Many falls occur in the home due to hazards such as loose rugs, cluttered walkways, poor lighting, or slippery floors. Making simple modifications to a senior's home environment can go a long way in reducing fall risk. At Comfort Keepers, one of the first things that we do when onboarding a new client is an in-home assessment which includes a walkthrough of their home to look for anything that could be unsafe. In our experience, home modifications that make remaining independent possible are worth the investment.
Some examples of home modifications include:
Removing tripping hazards such as loose rugs or electrical cords
Installing grab bars near toilets and showers
Improving lighting throughout the house
Installing non-slip mats in bathrooms
Using non-slip wax on floors
Keeping commonly-used items within easy reach
DailyCaring has a great room-by-room guide focused on safety and accessibility.
Medications and Medication Reminders
Certain medications can increase the risk of falls by causing dizziness or affecting balance. Seniors should review their medications with their doctor or pharmacist regularly to ensure that they are not taking any drugs that could increase their risk of falling. Support from an in-home care agency can also insure that your loved one is taking the right amount of medication and on time.
Here is a resource from the National Dizzy and Balance Center that outlines some of the most common reasons for dizziness amongst seniors, including medication use.
Regular Vision Checkups
Poor vision is another common factor contributing to falls among seniors. It's important for seniors to get regular eye exams and update eyeglass prescriptions as needed.
Proper Footwear
Wearing proper footwear is essential for maintaining balance and stability while walking or standing. Seniors should wear shoes with good support and non-slip soles both inside and outside the home.
Hydration and a Healthy Diet
Nutrition is key when it comes to fall prevention. Dehydration can cause dizziness or lightheadedness which increases fall risk among seniors. Seniors should drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. A healthy diet rich in nutrients like calcium and vitamin D is crucial for maintaining strong bones which can reduce fall risks among seniors.
Comfort Keepers Can Help
Falls are a serious concern among seniors and their families but taking proactive measures can reduce the likelihood of an event significantly, and help them to remain independent. If you have concerns that your loved one has or may fall, working with an in-home care agency, like Comfort Keepers, might be the best option if they want to remain at home.
