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Author: Home Helpers Home Care

Understanding Common Misconceptions of Senior Falls for Better Fall Prevention and Safety

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of injury for adults 65 or older. As concerning as this is, it doesn’t have to be this way. Falling is not an inevitable part of aging. While it is true that older adults are more at risk for falling due to the physical changes and health conditions that come with age, it is also true that fall prevention is possible in many cases.

Misconceptions about Senior Falls

Many misconceptions exist about what causes a fall, when, in fact, there are some easy methods of fall prevention that can help ensure the safety of your loved ones.

MYTH 1: LIMITING ACTIVITY PREVENTS FALLS – Regular exercise is a great way to help you stay independent longer. It can also help improve overall physical health by strengthening muscles and keeping joints, tendons, and ligaments flexible. Research has shown that balance training exercises, such as yoga or tai chi, can reduce the risk of falls in older adults.

MYTH 2: STAYING HOME REDUCES THE CHANCE OF FALLING – According to the National Institute on Aging (NIA), over half of falls happen at home in places such as the stairs, bathroom, or outside. Part of fall prevention is avoiding preventable hazards, like poor lighting, cluttered walkways, or slippery surfaces.

Here are a few simple changes that you can make to your home to reduce your risk of falling:

• Keep walkways clutter-free and well-lit.
• Have night lights in the bedroom, hallways, and bathrooms at night.
• If your house has stairs, ensure there are secure handrails on both sides.
• Install grab bars in the tub and showers, and use nonslip mats.
• Apply ice melt or a similar product to your outdoor walkway during the winter months to make it less slippery.
• Avoid throw rugs or small area rugs.

MYTH 3: USING WALKING AIDS WILL MAKE ME MORE DEPENDENT – Walkers, canes, and other walking aids are designed to provide stability and increase balance. When used correctly, they can help older adults maintain or improve their mobility. Ensure your equipment is properly fitted to your body to maximize safety and mobility, and always follow your doctor’s instructions on how to use them.

MYTH 4: MEDICATIONS DON’T INCREASE MY RISK OF FALLING – Some medications can make you dizzy or sleepy, potentially increasing the risk of falling. When prescribed new medication, talk to your doctor about potential side effects.

MYTH 5: VISION CHECKUPS AREN’T NECESSARY FOR OLDER ADULTS – Vision naturally changes with age, and poor eyesight can increase your fall risk. Individuals with poor vision can easily lose stability and change different gaits to avoid obstacles, thus increasing the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Having your vision checked annually and making sure the prescription on your glasses is up to date can make a big difference in fall prevention.

Talk to Your Doctor about Fall Prevention

According to the CDC, falling once doubles your risk of falling again. Always tell your doctor if you have fallen, even if there weren’t any injuries. Falls may indicate an underlying medical condition that needs attention.

Providing Peace of Mind with Direct Link^® Powered by Aloe Care

During medical emergencies like falls, every second counts. Personal emergency response systems, or PERS, are a great resource for those who have a high risk of falling or who want peace of mind knowing that immediate help is always within reach.

Our mission at Home Helpers^® Home Care is to help people live independently and comfortably wherever they choose to call home.

A critical component of our care program is the ability to provide the most advanced 24-hour monitoring service so seniors can stay safer and more connected while remaining in their home or on the go. Coupled with adequate fall prevention planning, our care can help you or your loved one stay safely at home even as they age.

Are you or a loved one in need of in-home care? Home Helpers^® Home Care is here to help. For over 25 years, we have provided exceptional in-home care for seniors, new moms and families, and those with disabilities, illness, or recovering from injury or surgery.

We’re here to be a trusted partner in your care needs journey, with a team of compassionate professionals supporting you every step of the way. Our services and care plans are customizable, so you receive just the right amount of care and can be adjusted as needs change.

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR SERVICES, CONTACT US TO SCHEDULE YOUR FREE IN-HOME CARE ASSESSMENT OR FIND AN AGENCY NEAR YOU.