Falls are a leading cause of injury and death among seniors. Shockingly, every 20 minutes, a senior dies from a fall-related injury, and every 13 seconds, a senior is treated in an emergency room due to a fall. These statistics are sobering, and they highlight the serious risks that older adults face as they age. As family members and caregivers, it’s crucial to understand these dangers and take proactive steps to help prevent falls in order to protect our loved ones from harm.
The Statistics: A Stark Reality
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Every 20 minutes, a senior dies from a fall-related injury.
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Every 13 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall.
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55% of adults with aging parents worry about their loved ones falling.
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1 in 5 falls results in either a head injury or broken bones, which can lead to long-term consequences such as decreased mobility, loss of independence, and in some cases, even death.
With these alarming statistics in mind, it’s more important than ever to take steps to reduce the risk of falls. While it’s impossible to completely eliminate every fall risk, there are several strategies that can significantly reduce the likelihood of injury.
10 Tips to Prevent Falls in Seniors
1. Ensure Proper Lighting Poor lighting is a common factor in falls, particularly at night. Make sure hallways, stairways, and bathrooms are well-lit, and consider using night lights to guide your loved one during the night.
2. Remove Tripping Hazards Clutter, rugs, and cords can easily become tripping hazards. Keep floors clear, secure loose rugs with non-slip backing, and organize furniture to allow for easy navigation.
3. Install Grab Bars and Handrails Place grab bars in high-risk areas such as the bathroom, and install handrails on both sides of stairways. This provides your loved one with something to hold onto for stability and support.
4. Encourage Regular Exercise Strength and balance exercises can significantly reduce the risk of falls. Encourage activities like walking, yoga, or tai chi, which help build strength and improve coordination.
5. Get Regular Vision and Hearing Checks Poor vision or hearing can contribute to falls. Ensure that your senior loved one has regular eye exams and hearing tests, and make sure they’re wearing the appropriate corrective devices.
6. Maintain a Safe Bathroom Environment The bathroom is one of the most dangerous places for seniors. Consider installing non-slip mats in the tub and shower, and ensure the floor is dry to prevent slips. A raised toilet seat can also make it easier for seniors to get up and down safely.
7. Wear Proper Footwear Ill-fitting shoes or slippers can lead to trips and falls. Ensure your loved one is wearing shoes that fit properly, provide good support, and have non-slip soles.
8. Monitor Medications Some medications can cause dizziness or drowsiness, increasing the risk of a fall. Work with your loved one’s healthcare provider to review medications and adjust dosages if needed.
9. Keep Active Socially Isolation and depression can increase the risk of falls, as they can lead to a decline in physical and mental health. Encourage your loved one to stay socially active and engaged in their community.
10. Use Assistive Devices When Necessary If your loved one has difficulty with mobility, assistive devices like canes or walkers can provide additional support and stability. Be sure to check that these devices are properly fitted and in good condition.
The Peace of Mind That Assisted Living Can Provide
For families concerned about the safety of their elderly loved ones at home, assisted living can provide a sense of security. In an assisted living facility, seniors have access to trained professionals who can assist with daily activities, monitor their health, and ensure their environment is safe and fall-free. Additionally, assisted living facilities often have emergency response systems in place and regular wellness checks to ensure that falls and other accidents are minimized.
Choosing assisted living for your loved one can provide not only peace of mind but also a safer living environment where they are more likely to maintain their independence and well-being.
Falls are a major concern for seniors, but by taking proactive steps to prevent them, we can reduce the risk of serious injury and even death. From simple home modifications to regular exercise, there are many ways to keep our loved ones safe. If you’re concerned about your senior loved one’s safety, consider the benefits of assisted living for extra peace of mind. By staying informed, vigilant, and proactive, we can help ensure that our elderly family members continue to live healthy, happy lives without the fear of falling.
If you would like more information on how your loved one can benefit from a watchful eye living at The Arbors Assisted Living, contact one of our five convenient locations: