Fall Prevention For Older Adults

Why is fall prevention for older adults important?

Falls are a common cause of injury for older adults. Falls happen more often and become more dangerous after the age of 60. Falls may cause cuts, bruises, head injuries, and broken bones. It takes more time for older adults to recover after an injury.

Why are falls dangerous for older adults?

If you are injured after a fall, you may be less able to move around and do activities that you used to enjoy. You may need help to do things that you were able to do by yourself before the fall. Decreased physical activity can lead to medical problems such as pneumonia and blood clots.

What increases my risk of falling?

• Muscle weakness: As you age, the muscles in your body weaken and you may lose your balance more often.
  
  
• Medicines: Some medicines can make you tired, dizzy, or weak. They can slow down your reaction time. This can make it hard for you to catch yourself if you start to fall. Talk to your caregiver about the medicines you take and if they increase your risk of falling.
  
  
• Poor eyesight: Cataracts can make seeing at night difficult. Reading glasses may change your ability to see close up or far away. This can increase your risk of falling.
  
  
• Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as arthritis, can cause swelling, pain, or stiffness in your joints or muscles. This can increase your risk of a fall if you get out of bed or a chair too quickly. Low blood pressure or heart problems can make you dizzy and more likely to fall. Talk to your caregiver about medical conditions that can increase your risk of falling.

How can I help prevent falls?

• Exercise regularly: Walking and water exercise will help strengthen your muscles and improve your balance. Talk to your caregiver about the best exercise plan for you.
  
  
• Keep all appointments with caregivers: See your caregiver and eye doctor regularly. A physical or occupational therapist can work with you to improve your strength. They can also help you make your home as safe as possible.
  
  
• Eat a variety of healthy foods: This may help you have more energy and heal faster. Healthy foods include fruit, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meat, and fish. Ask if you need to be on a special diet.
  
  
• Drink liquids as directed: Adults should drink between 9 and 13 eight-ounce cups of liquid every day. Ask what amount is best for you. For most people, good liquids to drink are water, juice, and milk.

What are some home safety tips?

• Floors and hallways:
  
  
  • Clear your pathways. Do not leave magazines, books, or other objects such as your shoes on the floor where you may trip on them.
    
    
  • Create color contrasts between walls and floors. Lighter-colored floors are easier to see. This also makes it easier to see objects that may have fallen in your path.
    
    
  • Put carpet in the bathroom instead of linoleum or tiles. Linoleum and tiles are slippery if they get wet.
    
    
  • Have enough lighting so you can clearly see all rooms and hallways.
    
    
  • Keep cords secured and out of the way, including cords for lights, telephones, and televisions. Never put cords under carpeting or across an area where people walk.
    
    
  • Secure carpeting to the floor around all edges. Remove throw rugs, or secure them with double-sided tape or special backing.
  
  
• Stairs and steps:
  
  
  • Have loose or damaged stairs fixed as soon as possible.
    
    
  • If your stairs are not carpeted, paint the tip of each stair with an easy-to-see color. Paint the first and last step a different color.
    
    
  • Install sturdy handrails on both sides of stairs. Make sure handrails are tightly attached.
    
    
  • Never place or leave objects on the stairs.
  
  
• Furniture:
  
  
  • Arrange chairs, couches, tables, and other furniture so you can move around them easily. Move footstools and ottomans out of your path when you are not using them.
    
    
  • Select chairs that are easy for you to get in and out of. Chairs with arms may help you sit and get up. Always put recliner footrests into the closed position before you get into or out of the chair.
  
  
• Lighting:
  
  
  • Leave a light on at night to help you find your way to the bathroom and kitchen. Night lights in other rooms and hallways can also help.
    
    
  • Place light switches within easy reach of your bed.
    
    
  • Use light switches that are lit up at night so that you can see them more easily.
  
  
• Clothing:
  
  
  • Select well-fitting shoes with soles that do not slide. Wear supportive shoes when you walk or exercise. Put on slippers with nonskid soles when you get up at night, even to walk to the bathroom.
    
    
  • Wear nightclothes that fit properly, so that you do not trip on them if you need to get up.
  
  
• Bathroom safety:
  
  
  • Do not leave objects in the bathtub or on the floor of the shower.
    
    
  • Install a toilet seat riser if your toilet is low.
    
    
  • Install grab bars on the walls in tubs or showers and next to toilets.
    
    
  • Use nonskid mats on shower floors and in the bathtub.
  
  
• Other home safety tips:
  
  
  • Ask for help lifting or moving heavy objects.
    
    
  • Move hard-to-reach items to lower shelves. If you cannot move them, use a step stool instead of a chair to reach these items
    
    
  • Write down emergency numbers and keep them near each telephone.
    
    
  • You may want to buy a personal alarm. In case of an emergency, you can press the alarm button to get help right away. Ask your caregiver about a personal medical alarm.
    
    
  • Move slowly when you get up from lying or sitting positions. Sit on the side of the bed for a minute before you stand up.

Care Agreement

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.