How to Prevent Falls for Seniors

by | Apr 28, 2021 | seniors

Did you know that one in four Americans over the age of 65 fall each year? Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for seniors and can results in broken bones, fractures, and head injuries. According to the CDC, 3 million seniors each year are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries. A simple incident such as a slip and fall can have catastrophic consequences. Unfortunately, a single fall often times leads to more falls as your body becomes frailer. With more falls comes less independence, as seniors tend to feel less comfortable going on outings and will often times need a caregiver. Even those who fall and aren’t severely injured tend to develop a fear of falling and cut back on their everyday activities. When they become less active, their body becomes weak and therefore more prone to falls. Falls can easily turn into a vicious cycle, but as long as you take extra safety precautions, they are preventable.

What can you do to prevent these falls, you may ask? One of the first things you should do is get your vitals tested, specifically your vision. Schedule an eye exam with a board-certified optometrist to make sure your vision is up to par, as it may be time for a new pair of glasses. Staying physically active is another great tip of advice as exercising keeps your muscles strong and joints flexible. Also, be sure to take note of what medications you may take that cause drowsiness or dizziness. Showers can be tricky for seniors due to slippery surfaces. If your budget allows, try to invest in shower seats. Seniors tend to feel more at ease while bathing when using shower seats.  The seats help with stability and significantly lower the risk of falling. For those who have stairs, make sure the stairs are cleared of any objects that can become a tripping hazard. Adding handrails, stair treads, or a stairlift can be extremely helpful as well. Falls happen to even the best of us sometimes; however, I hope you now feel more prepared and incorporate these safety precautions in your everyday life.

  Sources: Center for Disease Control. (2017, February 10). Facts about falls. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/falls/facts.html  Lauber, R. (2020, November 05). 15 Ways to Reduce Fall Risk and Help Prevent Fall for Seniors. Retrieved from https://homecareassistance.com/blog/4-long-term-consequences-of-falls-among-older-adults  National Institute on Aging. (2017, March 15). Prevent Falls and Fractures. Retrieved from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/prevent-falls-and-fractures  The National Council on Aging. (2015, May 22). 6 Steps to Keep Your Older Loved Ones from Falling. Retrieved from https://www.ncoa.org/article/6-falls-prevention-steps-to-help-your-older-loved-ones