Dr. Macie here with a few facts about falls. In the United States, over 14 million adults ages 65 and older report falling each year. I’d put that number even higher when you consider than many older adults won’t tell anyone that they had a fall.
Falls can be costly and, in some cases, lethal. In fact, falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among adults ages 65 and older.
But the good news is that falls are preventable.
Part of fall prevention is understanding what puts someone at risk. As we age, there are things that can contribute to falling like weakness in the lower body, a Vitamin D deficiency, trouble walking or poor balance. Some medications can affect balance so it’s important to understand the side effects and possible interactions of medications. Poor vision is also a contributor. It may be worth checking in with your doctor to see if you are at an increased risk of falling from any of these things.
Avoid a trip to the hospital for you or a loved one.
Here’s what to do:
- First, remove clutter. Get things off the floor.
- Secure or remove all throw rugs.
- Keep your home brightly lit, especially in hallways and stairways.
- Install raised toilet seats.
- In the shower, install grab bars, a shower chair and a handheld shower head.
- Maintain proper hydration to avoid becoming lightheaded.
- Maintain proper nutrition to avoid becoming disoriented.
- Monitor medication side effects and interactions and discuss with your doctor alternatives that don’t cause drowsiness, lightheadedness, disorientation or confusion.
SYNERGY HomeCare has a great resource addressing many of these topics and more – their Fall Prevention Guide.
Dr. Macie P. Smith is a licensed gerontology social worker who is focused on helping families support their aging loved ones through long-term care. Specifically, Dr. Smith educates caregivers on how to care for seniors with dementia. She is an advocate for specialized care and assists others in finding a way to provide a better quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Dr. Smith has dedicated over 22 years of her life working in gerontology and assisting families in finding personalized solutions for dementia care. For more articles by Dr. Macie Smith, go to https://synergyhomecare.com/blog/.
___________
For more information on caring for a loved one who is at-risk for falls, download SYNERGY HomeCare’s free Fall Prevention Guide.
SYNERGY HomeCare offers no obligation home assessments. Find a location near you or Contact us to talk to a Home Care specialist.
