Falls are a leading form of accidental injury in homes with people aged 65 or older. A study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission found that seniors over the age of 75 are at even more risk. Another study done between the years of 1991 and 2002 found that the number of product-related injuries in people of age 75 went up by 73%, while the age group grew only 27%.
As our aging population grows, we want to create a world in which our senior citizens can lead healthy and enjoyable lives. Part of achieving this goal is to help them prevent falls before they happen.
What causes people to fall?
- Lack of balance from lack of exercising
- Lack of balance from the side effects of drugs
- Poor vision and/or poor lighting in the home
- Tripping and slipping hazards in the home such as rugs and slippery floors
How can you prevent falling?
- Exercises that promote balance are very helpful for seniors who want to maintain or re-achieve their independence. Balance exercises include simple things like
- Taking walks
- Balancing on one foot at a time for a few seconds while holding onto something sturdy
- Weight shifting exercises: similar to one footed stands, but instead of pulling your foot up off the ground towards your body, you put your lifted foot out to the side a few inches and hold your body weight on the planted leg for as long as you can. Do this for up to 30 seconds on each leg.
- If you or your senior loved one feels that their imbalance may be a side effect from a drug then talk to the doctor immediately. He or she may be able to pinpoint the drug, or at least find it by trial and error.
- Poor vision can be kept in check by frequent eye check-ups. Older people can have many types of eye problems and should get their eyes tested at least once a year.
- Be sure that the home is well-lit. Bad lighting is such a simple thing to fix to avoid a potentially deadly fall.
- Floors can be a tricky thing in an elderly person’s home. Tile or linoleum can become slick when wet, carpet can bunch as it gets older and rugs can be slippery. There are many ways to correct these issues. The main thing to remember is that the floor needs to be clear of obstacles. This can mean that it is flat (no bunching in carpet or rugs), rugs are not loose, and pathways are clear of objects that could trip a person.
Falls cause fractured and broken bones which can lead to hospitals stays where infection can set in and increase which one should try and avoid. Home care can be a solution in such cases but prevention is better than cure.
