Fall Protection for Elderly People
Falls are the leading cause of injury for older adults. They can happen when someone trips, loses consciousness (from a seizure or stroke) or becomes disoriented.
Several factors increase the risk of falling, including vision loss, tripping hazards and medications that cause dizziness or fatigue. But, the good news is that many falls can be prevented.
Make Sure Your Home Is Safe
Falls can be caused by a variety of things, including having slippery or uneven floors, trip hazards in the home such as loose rugs or pet-related items, and poor lighting both indoors and out. Some conditions like arthritis, diabetes, or numbness in the feet can also increase the risk of falling. But a fall is not an inevitable part of aging, and there are many things that can be done to make the home safer for older adults.
The first step in fall protection for the elderly is to examine the entire home and get rid of any potential hazards. This includes looking for and repairing anything that might cause a slip or trip, such as uneven floorboards, loose carpeting, or loose stair railings. It's a good idea to have enough light in each room, and to change out burnt-out bulbs immediately.
Many senior adults can benefit from a medical alert system with automatic fall detection that can send an emergency signal to a monitoring center at the push of a button. To learn more about these systems, and to find out more about programs and resources that can help seniors stay safe at home, visit the National Council on Aging's Better Health Channel and contact your Area Agency on Aging. This is an important step to keeping your loved ones healthy and independent for as long as possible.
Get Help if You Fall
A fall can be scary and make a person feel afraid to get up. That fear may cause them to not move around much, which can lead to muscle loss and decreased strength and balance. But it’s important for seniors to get up and move around, even if they’ve fallen. Not moving can worsen the injury and lead to a recurrence of falls.
After a fall, it’s important for the person to take a few deep breaths and assess their condition. If they aren’t hurt, it’s a good idea to help them stand up by positioning a chair or other object next to them, encouraging them to kneel with both hands on the chair for stability. Then slowly push themselves up to a seated position.
If they’re still feeling uncomfortable or unsteady, it’s a good idea to call for help. A caregiver can come and help them up if they’re injured, or 911 can be called.
If they’re living in a nursing home, it’s important to let the staff know about any falls. They can help with preventive measures, such as decluttering and rearranging furniture to remove trip hazards. They can also check their medications and see if they have any side effects that can increase the risk of falling. They can also recommend physical therapy or a walking aid if needed.
Get a Medical Alert System
A medical alert system can provide a way for seniors to get help when they fall. The devices, which come in the form of pendants or bracelets, have a button that can be pushed to get assistance. They are designed to be easy to use, even in the dark for people with vision loss. Many medical alert systems are also waterproof, which is important because many falls occur in the bath or shower.
Some of these systems have automatic fall detection, which uses gyroscopes and accelerometers to detect sudden slips or falls. This feature is typically an extra $10 a month on top of the basic monthly monitoring fee, but it can be a life-saver in some cases.
Most medical alert systems also have a GPS feature that can be activated by the help button to locate the user. This can be especially helpful if someone wanders away from home and gets lost. Some private insurance providers also cover these costs, so it’s worth checking with your provider.
Those at the highest risk of falling should consider getting a medical alert system, but it is not a substitute for having a friend or family member check in on you regularly or going to see your doctor. Anyone who is struggling to live independently should talk to a care professional about other options for around-the-clock support, such as hiring a caregiver or moving into an assisted living facility.
Talk to Your Doctor
Many older people believe that falling is inevitable or a normal part of aging, but it's not. Falls can lead to serious injuries like hip fractures and head traumas, resulting in loss of independence. They can also cause social isolation for seniors who feel embarrassed or afraid to go out because of the risk of falling.
Fortunately, there are steps that can be taken to prevent falls, and the majority of them are simple or inexpensive. Seniors should ask their doctor about these measures, especially if they have fallen recently. They may have undiagnosed medical conditions that can increase their fall risks, such as loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia), a problem with the feet or legs that makes them feel numb and weak (called postural hypotension), or medications that can affect balance or coordination.
If a loved one does fall, they should try to stay still for a few minutes before trying to get up. This will help them recover from the shock of the fall and decide if they are injured. If they are, call emergency services. In the meantime, they should keep their home well-lit and remove items that could trip them up, such as rugs, chairs and mats. They should also eat nutritious meals and participate in regular physical activity to maintain strength, flexibility and balance.
