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Author: Home Helpers Home Care

Fall Prevention Tips From Home Helpers Home Care of MetroWest, MA

I can’t begin to tell you how many times the caregivers at Home Helpers have told me about how our senior clients have fallen in their homes, at church, on stairs leading into their residences, etc. Usually, falls occur when a caregiver is not present, but sometimes, falls happen during a caregiver’s shift.

Since September is Fall Prevention Month, I want to review the reasons why seniors are at a higher risk of falling and ways to prevent seniors from suffering injurious falls.

The National Institute on Aging (NIA) says, “More than one in four people age 65 years or older fall each year. The risk of falling — and fall-related problems — rises with age. However, many falls can be prevented.”

 What causes falls among seniors? Many factors can contribute to falls.

• Aging adults with vision and hearing impairments and slower reflexes are more prone to falling.
• Some medical conditions, like diabetes, heart disease, or problems with their thyroid, nerves, feet, or blood vessels can impact an older person’s balance which can lead to falls.
• Conditions that cause rushed movement to the bathroom, such as incontinence, may also increase the chance of falling.
• Older adults with mild cognitive impairment or certain types of dementia are at greater risk of falling.
• Age-related loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia), problems with balance and gait, and blood pressure that drops too much when they get up from lying down or sitting (postural hypotension) are all risks factors for falling.
• Foot problems that cause pain, and unsafe footwear such as backless shoes or high heels also increase the risk of falling.
• Certain medications can increase a senior’s risk of falling because they cause side effects such as dizziness or confusion. The more medication someone takes, the more likely they are to fall.
• Safety hazards in the home or community can also cause falls.

How can seniors protect themselves from falling? The NIA has recommended the following steps to reduce the risks of falling:

• Stay physically active. Regular exercise improves muscles and strength. Exercise also helps keep joints, tendons, and ligaments flexible. Mild weight-bearing activities such as walking or climbing stairs, may slow bone loss from osteoporosis, a disease that makes bones weak and more likely to break.
• Try balance and strength training exercises like yoga, Pilates, and tai chi, which can all improve balance and muscle strength. Resistance bands and weight lifting can also build strength.
• Fall-proof the home environment. For example, remove throw rugs, make sure stairs, rooms, and corridors have sufficient light, put away items that clutter floors, and move cords out of pathways to reduce the risk of tripping.
• Have vision and hearing tests to ensure there are no changes that could increase the risk of falling.
• Talk to a doctor or pharmacist about medications that have been prescribed and their side effects. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you experience sleepiness or dizziness when taking medications.
• Get enough sleep. Seniors who are tired are more likely to fall.
• Avoid or limit alcohol. Too much alcohol can lead to balance problems and falls.
• Stand up slowly. Getting up too quickly can cause the blood pressure to drop which can make someone feel more unsteady.
• Use assistive devices to improve stability while walking. Properly sized canes and walkers can help prevent falls. A physical or occupational therapist can recommend which devices will be most effective and how to use them correctly.
• Be extra cautious when walking on wet, icy, or other slippery surfaces. Use an ice melt product or sand to clear icy areas by your doors and walkways.
• Keep your hands free. Use a shoulder bag, fanny pack, or backpack to leave your hands free to hold onto railings.
• Choose the right footwear. Wear nonskid, rubber-soled, low-heeled shoes. Don’t walk on stairs or floors in socks, or in shoes and slippers with no traction or smooth soles.
• Consider staying indoors during inclement weather. Some community services provide 24-hour delivery of groceries or medications, and many take orders over the phone.
• Always tell your doctor if you have fallen since your last check-up, even if you did not hurt yourself. A fall can be indicative of a new medical problem or be a sign there could be a problem with medications or vision that can be corrected.
• Get enough calcium and vitamin D in a nutritious diet to keep bones strong.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Being underweight increases the risk of bone loss and broken bones.

“Falls are a common reason for trips to the emergency room and for hospital stays among older adults. Many of these hospital visits are for fall-related fractures. You can help lower your risk of fractures by keeping your bones strong and following the tips above to avoid falls,” explains the NIA.

At Home Helpers MetroWest, my team and I are committed to providing seniors with professional, reliable, compassionate home care for peace of mind, health, and wellness. Our collective goal is to cover every need to keep our clients independent, safe, and comfortable at home for as long as possible.

I am very proud and grateful that my experienced team of caregivers is driven to provide exceptional home care services for our clients in the MetroWest Boston area. They strive to be your family when family can’t be there, and they consistently go above and beyond to make life easier and safer for seniors, veterans, and differently-abled individuals, 24/7/365.

I am happy to offer a  FREE Assessment to discuss the many ways Home Helpers can assist you or someone you love, and answer any questions you may have. After my assessment, I will provide a complimentary home safety check, create a personalized home care plan for you or your loved one, and choose the perfect caregiver to help.

Home Helpers® MetroWest proudly serves male and female seniors in Concord, Framingham, Lincoln, Marlborough, Natick, Southborough, Sudbury, Wayland, Wellesley, Weston, and surrounding areas. We are Making Life Easier℠ in our MetroWest Boston communities every day!

Source:

National Institute on Aging