One of the most common causes of hospitalization among older people is elderly falling. Every year, there are as many as 2 million falls by seniors and as many as 1 in 5 seniors who suffer from an injury from a fall. Due to these statistics, it’s necessary that we underline the importance of incorporating fall prevention tips for seniors to reduce their risk of falling.
Elderly Falling prevention tips
To prevent falls, some seniors use a cane or devices to provide extra stability and balance.
However, these things don’t keep the elderly from falling. When you are trying to protect a loved one, you should take some simple measures to help keep their living space clear of things that could make them trip and fall. Here are some things you can do to help prevent elderly falling:
- Set up low light levels so they don’t have to turn on bright lights when they enter rooms. There are outlet covers that can be used to illuminate the way.
- Keep floors clear of clutter or objects such as electrical cords that could be tripped on. Be sure to tuck them away or always unplug things such as vacuum cleaners.
- Ensure their glasses are set up so they are easy to find. This way, they are less likely to try to get up without them.
- Ensure there is enough room for their walker or wheelchair throughout the house and clear any clutter in the way.
- Offer ways they can exercise regularly to ensure that they maintain a strong core. A strong core helps prevent falls. Weight lifting can also help build the core muscles.
- Always have them sit and get dressed. Many times they can get their feet caught in a pant leg and fall.
- Check medications to ensure they are not only anything that could make them dizzy or lose their balance.
More fall prevention tips for seniors
Of course, there are other tips, such as purchasing good shoes with a good sole. Also, ensure the shoe isn’t some slip-on that can slip off at an inappropriate time. Their vision should also be checked often and tack down any floor rugs that are in the home. Better yet, when possible, remove them!
Handrails are essential in preventing falls. Be sure that you have a railing on all the steps coming into the home and inside the house. Grab rails are also helpful around steps or other areas of difficulty. This can be most helpful in the bathroom. Install grab rails, so it is easier to get in and out of the bathtub and up and down on the toilet. You can also install toilet extenders or ensure that the toilet is high enough to ease getting on and off.
Falls in our seniors are no joke. Their aging bones and loss of muscle mass can take a beating during a fall. Be sure that things are put up, and there isn’t clutter left for them to trip on after and during a visit. Everyone must be mindful when visiting not to leave shoes and other items in the path of someone trying to get to the bathroom or walk around the home.
Contact Senior Resource Connectors
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