Falls involving the elderly are all too common and can have dire outcomes. Fall prevention measures are critical, such as examining the house for fall risks like throw rugs along with other trip and fall hazards, inadequate lighting, and a lack of appropriate grab bars and railings. But there is a new approach being advised now: developing a fall plan of care, which, when implemented correctly, has been demonstrated to help reduce fall-related hospital visits by up to 40%.
So while we definitely don’t want to plan for a senior loved one to fall, we can be better equipped by helping the individual take these steps:
- Remain aware – Avoid letting your mind wander and instead keep your full focus on your surroundings.
- Check vision – Frequent eye tests and constantly wearing glasses if needed can make sure tripping hazards are spotted and avoided.
- Practice balance – Exercises as straightforward as lifting one foot off the ground and staying balanced on the other foot for about 30 seconds can help.
If a fall does take place, understanding the way to fall more safely can decrease the potential risk of injury. In particular:
- Avoid head injuries by intentionally turning your face away from the fall, or tucking your chin to your chest if falling back.
- Bend the knees and elbows to stop the stiffness which can produce a break to your elbow or wrist when attempting to catch your fall.
- Roll with the fall, which transfers the impact of the fall over an increased part of your body rather than concentrating it on a single location.
- Try to land on fatty tissue, such as on your thighs or bottom, instead of on more bony areas such as hips, knees, and elbows.
Using the following proactive actions can go a long way towards preventing a fall:
- Be sure that all walking areas both in and out of the residence are clear of clutter and any potential tripping hazards, such as electrical cords.
- Keep flooring surfaces, especially in the bathroom and kitchen area, dry and clean.
- Put up grab bars around the tub and toilet.
- Ensure handrails are positioned and secure along all stairwells.
- Replace any worn out carpets and remove all loose rugs.
At Independence-4 Seniors Home Care, our caregiving team is experienced in making your home environment as safe from falls as it can be, and we are knowledgeable in providing ambulation assistance and supervision when needed to help ensure fall risk is minimized. We’re also on hand to engage in doctor-recommended fitness programs to improve balance and flexibility, resulting in overall improved health and wellbeing. Contact us at (630) 323-4665 for a complimentary in-home consultation to learn more ways we are able to help!