Preventing Falls in the Elderly

Unfortunately, for many elderly people, their own homes can be a dangerous place with many hazards that increase their chances of being a victim of a fall. Older people are far more susceptible to loss of balance, strength and vision, which is why preventing falls in the elderly is so important. Even a minor fracture can permanently disable an elderly person and lead to life-threatening complications such as blood clots or pneumonia.

Knowing what measures you can take for preventing senior falls will help the elderly people in your life live independently for as long as possible in a safe, comfortable environment.

Conduct a Whole House Safety Check

Conducting a safety assessment of each room in the home and noting hazardous conditions such items in disrepair or things that modified in some way is the first step in preventing falls in the elderly. Here is a list of things to check for when doing your assessment.

• Loose carpeting on stairs
   
• Loose throw rugs, runners or mats
   
• Slippery, non-carpeted flooring
   
• Exposed wires or loose wires that may cause falls
   
• Poor lighting
   
• Uneven stairs or missing handrail
   
• Lack of non-skid mats in tubs and showers
   
• Lack of non-skid grab bars in bath or near toilets
   
• Inaccessibility in the kitchen or unstable step-stools and poorly
  organized storage areas

Maximize Accessibility

Navigate through the home using the same method the senior does for mobility. Whether it's a wheelchair, walker or cane, it will be easier to make necessary modifications such as widening doorways or doing some simple rearranging if your assessment is done from their point of view.

Consider an Exercise Class

Studies have shown that seniors who participate in some form of regular exercise are less likely to suffer a debilitating fall. Exercise increases strength, can improve one's balance and is one way of preventing falls in the elderly before they happen. Before beginning an exercise regimen of any kind you should always check with your doctor first.

Double Check Medications

Drug interactions and side-effects are one of the leading causes of loss of balance in the elderly. Certain medications can cause blurred vision, sleepiness along with disorientation. If new drugs are prescribed, it's best to check with a doctor or pharmacist to ensure the new medicine won't adversely react with ones that are currently taken.

All medications should be clearly marked and stored in a central location. For homes with no children, you may want to replace child-proof caps with twist off or snap off lids that are easier for older hands to maneuver.

Miscellaneous Safety Measures

• Install smoke detectors, burglar alarms, carbon monoxide detectors as well as motion detectors with sound for the hearing impaired.
   
• Invest in automatic timers for lights and appliances for those who may forget to turn such items off.
   
• Purchase a phone with a large keypad and/or multiple handsets. Multiple handsets kept in the most frequented rooms eliminate rushing to answer a phone in another location.
   
• Visit a medical supply store and inquire about services or equipment that can help make life easier for the elderly.