Preventing Falls in the Elderly

Frank is 91 years old, limber and healthy, and has lived on his own in the Minneapolis, MN area since losing his wife two years ago. This last winter, on a cold December morning, Frank went out to get the newspaper, stepped over any obvious icy patches, and… went down. He had not realized that a dark patch on the driveway was black ice, a common winter hazard in cold climates like Minnesota.

This story has a happy ending. Frank spent several months in a rehabilitation facility while he healed from fractures in his wrist and ankle and followed a strict physical therapy regimen. He is at home now, living independently again. But the incident undermined Frank’s confidence and that of his family members. And it could have been much worse.

Fall Prevention Tips for Seniors

Frank’s scenario is not uncommon today with the baby boomer generation now in the senior years. According to the National Safety Council, falls are a leading cause of senior citizen injury deaths, which are estimated at 16,000 annually in the US. A large percentage of seniors want to live at home for as long as they can, which can increase risks for those not attended by in home caregivers.
The causes of falls for seniors range widely from home safety conditions to changes in physical and mental health status, and many are preventable. To help you assess ways to reduce risk, for yourself or a senior in your life, At Home Solutions, LLC offers these tips:

•    Review and correct potentially slippery conditions inside and outside the home

• In winter, cover walkways and driveways with sand
• Indoors, remove sliding area rugs or replace them with non-skid mats
• Place non-skid mats inside and outside of tubs and showers

•    Use adequate footwear both indoors and outdoors

• Use shoes and slippers with good tread or non-slip soles
• Make sure all dress shoes provide support and are non-slip

•    Keep floors clear of tripping hazards

• Move any extension cords out of walking areas
• Place duct tape over any cords that cannot be moved
• Keep shoes, umbrellas and gear in bins rather than in entry ways
• Make sure low furniture, such as ottomans and end tables are placed out of walking areas and are kept in predictable places

•    Install handrails and safety rails where appropriate

• Make sure stairways have secure and sturdy handrails
• Areas to consider for safety rails include the bathtub, next to the toilet and hallways

•    Maintain physical and mental activity

• Encourage and assist with stretching, walking or senior aerobics, if within the senior’s capabilities
• Play games such as cards, board games, and word games to enhance mental clarity and stamina
• Provide companionship, conversation and socializing opportunities

•    Maintain vision prescriptions and good visibility in the home

• Regularly check for cataracts and glaucoma
• Ensure prescription lenses are kept up to date
• Keep prescription glasses on the night stand
• Install night lights by bedsides, in hallways and in bathrooms
• Place a touch lamp on the night stand
• Install good lighting on stairways and in hallways

•    Schedule regular doctor’s appointments and bring a checklist

• Review all medications
• Request blood pressure checks when sitting and standing, as a dramatic change in blood pressure can cause light headedness
• Request checks on balance and strength and request physical therapy when needed to make improvements
• If dizziness or hearing loss is an issue, request a referral to an ENT specialist to address any vestibular problems
• Assess mental clarity

•    Finally, consider home care services to provide assistance or companionship to the senior

• These services can range from occasional companion care or home health services to round-the-clock care

Home care services such as those we provide from At Home Solutions of Minnesota can make a huge difference in the well-being of elderly people who remain in the home. Even just taking care of the little things like laundry, cooking, changing linens and providing medication reminders can dramatically improve home safety and enhance the sense of security for a senior.

When the need is greater, such as when a senior needs bathing assistance, ambulatory help, or medication management, home care services can be increased to meet those needs. An RN case manager can be assigned to provide oversight of home health aides and ensure that medications are kept up to date.

Whether occasional or daily, caregiver and companion services can help to ensure that a senior’s home environment is safe, and that the senior receives regular assistance with the tasks of daily living.