For many people, fall prevention may seem to be an uninteresting topic. However, this is a crucial subject for senior citizens whose age predisposes them to many conditions that can make falls more imminent. Falls are considered to be the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries for people aged 65 years and above. Statistics show that approximately one in every four elderly citizens in countries such as the USA falls each year. This leads to broken bones, hip fractures, head injuries, fear or depression. Therefore, reducing the risk of falling by using the tips discussed below will help the at-risk population stay healthy and devoid of falls for the longest time possible.
A Doctor’s Appointment
An ideal fall prevention plan should be initiated through a visit to the doctor. Some of the common aspects that the health practitioner might asses include the medications or histories of falling. The senior could be asked to wear-off some of the medications that impact their thinking capacities like antidepressants or sedatives. The history could also assist a doctor craft specific fall prevention strategies.
Exercising Regularly
Physical exercise has got immense benefits when it comes to the prevention of falls. Through a health practitioner’s approval, activities such as yoga, walking, tai chi, or water workouts can be incorporated into the lifestyle of a senior individual. These activities usually reduce the risk of falls by boosting muscle balance, coordination, strength, and flexibility. However, in situations where specific physical activity increases the risk of falling, it is good to liaise with a doctor to recommend a physical therapist.
Maintaining a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet comes in handy for muscle and bone strength. To prevent malnourishment, seniors can work with registered dieticians to get proper dietary choices. This gets rid of diet-related falls.
Wearing Sensible Shoes
As a fall prevention plan, seniors and their caregivers should take into account the type of shoes the former wears. Shoes with slick soles or high heels should be avoided as these could lead to stumble and fall scenarios. Stocking feet are also not ideal. Instead, going for properly fitting yet sturdy pairs is preferable. These could also play a huge role in reducing joint pains.
Making Home Environment Less Hazardous
Another crucial tip is to cross-check the senior’s environment for hazards. Checking the immediate area before transferring them is also recommended. In fostering safety, get rid of cords, tubes or loose rugs from walkways. High traffic areas should also be free of objects while loose carpeting or floorboards fixed immediately. Spilled food, grease or liquids should be wiped immediately. In the bathroom, non-slip mats should be accompanied by a bath seat.
Lighting up Spaces
Poor lighting, particularly in high traffic regions around home increases the risk of falling. To assist senior individuals from tripping on hard-to-see objects, it is important to place lights at different locations such as in the bedroom and hallways. A lamp should be within the reach of the bed while flashlights stored in easy-to-find locations. A critical recommendation would be to go for glow-in-the-dark switches instead of the traditional ones.
Use Correct Assistive Mobility Aids
Using ideal assistive equipment such as walkers, crutches, wheelchairs, rollators, and canes can help in keeping senior individuals steady or independent. Besides, crash mats, handrails on stairways, raised toilet seats with armrests or even grab bars for the shower tub can also come in handy. These give an added level of safety for both the caregiver and the senior.
Taking Time
For the caregivers, taking enough time as they handle the senior is recommended especially while conducting transfers. Rushing the seniors while getting up in the quest to stay on track can cause hypotension leading to falls. Always strive to give the senior time for composure after they have been in a lying or sitting position. It also gives time to assess the immediate environment for objects.
Always Converse with the Senior
Sometimes all you have to do to prevent falls is to talk with the senior. For instance, while striving to transfer them, discuss how they can help you. Remember to speak respectfully, clearly, slowly or even loudly. This way, they are sure to get the instructions and accord you the needed assistance. You could request them to repeat directions to assess their comprehension and willingness.
Request for Help
Another tip for the caregivers and family members of seniors is to ask for help especially during transfers. You might not be in the right state of mind while at other times you could be in a hurry leading to both of you falling. To avoid this, always seek assistance if you are unable to help the senior alone.
As a caregiver, or somebody concerned with the wellbeing of the elderly population, it is prudent to consider obtaining mobility aids for them. Through these aids, it is possible to avert many instances of falling and therefore promote a comfortable lifestyle for the elderly.
