Falls Prevention

 

Falls are a frequent occurrence in the home. An older adult may incur more damage from a fall than a younger person, and may take longer time to recover. Often, a fall and the accompanying fracture begin the decline that ends in nursing home care.

 

What can you do?

• Get informed (as caregiver and care recipient).  Be aware of potential hazards and have a plan should a fall occur.
• Arrange to have your family member's doctor do a medication review and overall health assessment (including balance and stability).
• Arrange for an annual eye exam and glasses check.
• Use a checklist (use link below) to evaluate your home for potential hazards that might cause your family member to fall.
• Remember to include the potential for the family pet to cause a fall in the home evaluation. Typically, older pets are less likely to play indoors and run in front of someone and cause them to lose balance.
• Encourage exercise. Consider modified strength training for arms and legs. Tai Chi and programs that promote balance are excellent.
• Encourage mental activity.  Being fully aware of your surroundings and able to make reasoned judgments about hazards is important. Cognitive impairment is of high concern.
• Encourage having a social network.  Having someone to check on your family member daily is important should a fall occur.
• Consider a medical alert system. 
• Invest is good rubber bottomed shoes that fit well. 
• Consider a cane or walker if a potential concern is raised as you evaluate the situation.
• Ensure that good lighting is throughout the home.
• As a caregiver, stay involved in the regular evaluation of potential falls hazards and concerns.

With awareness and prevention measures, you can decrease the probability of a fall happening. That's good for everyone. Good fall prevention offers the groundwork for a better quality of life. Need help with all this?  Perhaps a consultation by an occupational therapist or home health nurse would be advisable. Or, contact a Caregiver Specialist for help getting connected to local assistance.  Don't delay.

Falls can be deadly (a leading cause of injury death in older adults) and they are a major initial cause of nursing home admission and emergency room admission.

 

 

Another option is to check to see if the program A Matter of Balance is available in your area.  This program is designed to reduce the incidence of falls and the fear of falling. The program emphasizes practical strategies that boost participants’ strength and balance through specialized exercises and other activities.  Ask if other programs are available to help with strength and balance training such as Tai Chi.  Then, choose the best one.

 

 

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