Written by Megan Smith, PT
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four Americans age 65 and over falls each year. Believe it or not, falls are the leading cause of fatal injury in older adults.
The good news is that even though their balance and strength may weaken with age, your loved one does not have to be part of that statistic!
There are many clear, well-documented risk factors that act as Caregiver red flags. If you know what they are, you can take steps to reduce or eliminate the risk of a fall, and keep your loved one safe.
If your loved one has previously experienced a falling episode, statistics show they are already more likely to fall again. Ironically, the reasons for this stem mainly from their fear of falling.
In a University of Kansas study, 65% of the subjects who had fallen previously were found to be restricting their movement because they were afraid of another fall. This hyper-awareness is at the heart of the problem.
If your loved one has a fear of falling, they may want to limit their physical activity. While this could work for them in the short term, it will eventually lead to a loss of muscle strength, endurance, and mobility - three factors that actually make a second fall more likely.
Additionally, research has shown that a fear of falling has a direct effect on a person's balance. When older persons are in a situation where they perceive balance to be difficult (such as walking down a narrow sidewalk), their bodies adopt what is called a “stiffening strategy.”
In this reflexive reaction, muscles in the lower leg tighten, and there are fewer eye movements. When limited eye movement is coupled with anxiety, it means the individual is no longer receiving all the proper visual cues needed to navigate the surrounding area safely.
Tai chi and yoga are two great ways an older person can boost confidence in their strength and balance. These low-impact fitness routines can help stabilize and strengthen the body, without punishing it.
If your family member can’t take a fitness class in person, they can use a video at home; websites like YouTube host a variety of free video classes for all skill levels, ranging from beginner to advanced.
If your loved one does decide to begin an exercise routine, the right gear can help you prevent injury and obtain the benefits you want. Rehabmart offers a variety of yoga accessories and exercise equipment to help people of all ages achieve the fitness goals they desire!
Many frequently prescribed medications have been known to induce side effects such as dizziness, vertigo, and/or nausea. These medications include:
If your loved one has been perscribed any medication by their doctor, make sure you both are provided with a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. Check with your loved one frequently to see whether they are experiencing any of the above symptoms, and make sure they are taking the medications as prescribed.
If dizziness or nausea is present, a medication review by a doctor or pharmacist may be a priority. There are also many homeopathic remedies for nausea relief that can help your loved one relieve their symptoms without the unpleasant side effects.
Clearly, poor balance greatly increases the likelihood of a fall for anyone. For an older individual, poor balance is often not the only risk factor present.
The best solution for a lack of steadiness is balance training. Many gyms and physical therapy clinics offer balance training, and state agencies on aging offer programs specifically geared to help seniors improve their stability. An example of this is Maine’s A Matter of Balance program.
Additionally, each state has a falls prevention coalition that can connect you with programs for your loved one to participate in.
Balance aids may also be a helpful buffer against falls, whether used when walking or during exercise routines.
If your loved one is already injured in any way, particularly from a fall, their risk of falling is already significantly higher than average.
Safeguarding them against further injury is very important, especially if they need guidance or supervision in order to comply with treatment directives, like staying off their feet.
After a fall, it’s a good idea for their doctor to check for factors we haven’t yet mentioned that could contribute to loss of balance:
The idea of someone you care for injuring themselves again is a scary thought. Luckily, there are numerous things you can do to lessen their chances of doing so.
If you cannot be with your loved one all the time, a patient safety alarm may be one of the best ways to ensure their well-being and your peace of mind! And since it's better to prevent problems well before they arise, vitamin supplements can help your loved one maintain healthy bones and muscles and stay standing tall.
It’s no surprise that poor vision increases the risk of falls for your loved one - they may be unable to see or anticipate hazards as they navigate their surroundings!
A change from carpet to a wood floor, or obstacles in their path, could lead to a loss of balance. Additionally, if depth perception is impaired, they could easily miss that last step on the stairs, or be unable to navigate steps at all without peril. Areas of the home with many hard surfaces, such as kitchens and bathrooms, can also be especially dangerous for older loved ones.
Individuals with glaucoma can be light-sensitive; they may keep their blinds closed and lights dimmed, which by default makes an hazards much more difficult, greatly increasing the likelihood of a fall.
Providing your loved one with a flashlight or equipping their living area with a nightlight can help to gently increase visibility in their home, without causing them discomfort or disruption.
Removing hazards and preventing falls in the home is by far the easiest ‘fix’ on this list. Good lighting, reduced clutter, and easy access to frequently used items are three major ways to reduce fall risk.
Here is just a sampling of other things you can do:
Knowing the risks your loved one faces makes it far less likely for them to become a “falling statistic.” To help create a safe space in your home, protecting yourself and your loved ones from fall risks, check out this room-by-room guide to home safety.
Consult with their doctor, occupational therapist, or state agencies for assistance in implementing these risk-reduction practices. Meanwhile, take a look at Rehabmart’s wide array of fall prevention accessories that can help keep your loved one safe, happy, and independent!
Keep reading with our articles 6 Ways to Care for a Loved One After a Fall, and
21 Fall Prevention Travel Tips You Haven't Heard About Yet!
Megan has been a part of Rehabmart since its inception nearly 20 years ago. For the past several years she has been enjoying her role as HR Director while maintaining her Physical Therapy license. When she isn't working on her next in-service or working to find a new team member, she enjoys her five children, helping those who have PT type ailments, baking, practicing yoga, and working out.
