Falls among older adults have increased in the past few years. The Centers for Disease Control reports that approximately 36 million falls are reported among older adults each year, and the number of deaths is only rising. Falls can cause broken hips that are hard to recover from, and consequently, functional independence declines. According to the Centers for Disease Control, women tend to fall more often than men, but men tend to have a higher mortality rate one year after the fall than women. Fall prevention is vital in ensuring our senior citizens maintain a high level of health and lifestyle in their homes.
First, let’s identify some of the common causes of falls among older people:
· The natural decline in mobility, muscle strength, and flexibility with age.
· The decline in eyesight and hearing with age.
· Taking multiple medications for the management of chronic illnesses.
· Safety hazards at home.
Below, we’ll highlight the six essential tips to prevent falls at home.
1. The natural decline in mobility and muscle strength leads to the need for assistive devices. These devices are necessary because they help you maintain functional independence for longer. They include canes, walkers, and wheelchairs. Before use, assistive devices need to be fitted to each user and maintained regularly for optimal effectiveness.
2. Engage in physical exercises to maintain physical health. Walking, yoga, and tai chi can be effective without straining the body. Consult your healthcare provider before starting new exercises.
3. Visit your provider for regular eye and hearing exams. Update eyeglasses as needed to ensure the highest visual acuity. Proper fitting and maintenance of hearing aids are also essential.
4. A significant issue that can also cause falls is the use of multiple medications for the elderly. This is called polypharmacy, which means taking more than five medications, per the National Institute of Health. Most groups of medications are known to cause dizziness and drowsiness. Examples of these medications include blood pressure, pain, and mood medications. Talk with your primary provider to reevaluate the need for all medications. Notify your provider of any over-the-counter drugs and herbs you may be taking because they may be interacting with the prescribed ones and causing side effects.
5. Bathroom falls are prevalent due to slippery surfaces. Installing grab bars is vital to preventing falls in these areas. Shower chairs can also enhance safety. Raised toilet seats can be handy as they provide extra support when performing personal care.
6. Our last tip is to clean out and clear all clutter in the home. Loose wires, books, papers, and clothes can cause trips. Ensure your house is well-lit for better visibility. Wear non-skid shoes and socks to prevent slip-associated falls.
Conclusion
Falls are not considered part of normal aging. Implementing these tips can create safer environments for elderly persons and reduce the occurrence of falls. It promotes functional independence at home and maintains higher-quality well-being. Caregivers can play a part by ensuring regular home maintenance and providing mental and physical support to elderly individuals.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Older Adult Falls. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/index.html
National Institute on Aging. (n.d.). Falls and Fractures. Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/falls-and-fractures
Varghese D, Ishida C, Haseer Koya H. Polypharmacy. [Updated 2023 Aug 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532953/ Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board