Fall prevention essential to senior independence
Remaining independent is important to seniors and ensuring their safety is important to their families. In order to continue living independently, seniors must be healthy and cautious; reducing the risk of injury from falling is very important for those who wish to maintain their independence.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, each year, one in every three adults ages 65 and older suffer a fall. Two million seniors are treated in emergency rooms each year for fall-related injuries. Long-term consequences of falls, such as hip fractures and traumatic brain injuries, can impact the health and independence of older adults.
The website also states that the risk of falling increases with each decade of life, but that the risk can be reduced with the assistance, encouragement and support of loved ones. Seniors should be encouraged to continue to exercise. Exercise helps to prevent the weakening of leg muscles and maintains or even improves their sense of balance. They should also be aware of the side effects of medications or combinations of medications, such as dizziness and drowsiness. Some side effects can greatly increase the loss of balance and the chance of falling.
Family members or loved ones should also help with the installation of safety handrails and hardware in rooms that are frequented and minimize tripping hazards.
“Many falls are related to physical conditions or chronic illnesses that result in weakness, however, many causes of falls are hazards in the home. The hazards can be easily fixed at little to no cost,” said Cindy Talley, RN and LNHA of Calhoun Health Care Center.
The CDC recommends the following tips to help seniors reduce their risks of falling in their home: remove items from near stairs and walkways, install handrails and lights on staircases, remove small throw rugs or use doublesided tape to keep the rugs from slipping, keep frequently used items in cabinets that are easily reached, install grab bars inside and next to the bathtub or shower and toilet, put non-slip mats in the tub or shower, improve lighting in the home, discourage going barefoot or wearing slippers and encourage wearing shoes both inside and outside.