Every year, one in three adults ages 65 and older experiences a fall, most of the time, in the comfort of their own homes. In fact, fall-related injuries result in two million seniors seeking treatment in an emergency department each year, and nearly 750,000 of them are hospitalized.
Unfortunately, the risk of falling increases with each decade of life, and the long-term consequences of fall injuries — such as hip fracture and traumatic brain injuries — can impact the health and independence of older adults.
“Nearly 90 percent of older Americans want to remain independent and at home as they age, but sometimes features in their homes are obstacles to their own safety,” explains Jacqueline Bowers, Director of Adult Day Services for the Peoria-based Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (IPMR).
Failing vision, limited mobility, balance problems, medication side effects and other health concerns can add to the problem, but the good news is that everyone can take actions to protect themselves and create a safer home environment.
Exercise regularly.
Exercise can go a long way to strengthen legs and mobility. “Exercise programs geared towards seniors can increase strength and improve balance, making falls much less likely,” Bowers said. “Talk to your loved one about exploring senior fitness programs and encourage them to get moving as much as possible.”
Review medications.
Some medicines — or a combination of medicines — can lead to dizziness or drowsiness, increasing the risk of a fall. “Have a doctor or pharmacist review all medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, and discuss possible side effects so precautions can be taken at home,” she added.
Yearly eye checks.
Annual eye exams by an eye doctor become especially important as we age. Seniors are more prone to chronic eye disorders such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration than younger people. Early detection of these and other vision disorders is critical. “Older adults should also wear glasses or contact lenses with the right prescription strength to ensure they’re seeing clearly,” Bowers added.
Eliminate hazards and obstacles in the home.
“Hazards in the home like poor lighting and clutter are a leading cause of falls,” she said. “Safeguarding your home is one of the most important things you can do to prevent falls.”
These include:
- Removing all trip hazards, including throw rugs
- Opening blinds and curtains during the day for more light
- Placing electrical and phone cords along the baseboards to avoid tripping
- Removing clutter (papers, books, shoes) from walking paths, hallways, and stairs
- Increasing lighting with higher-watt light bulbs
- Installing night-lights for better vision when getting up to go the bathroom at night
- Mounting grab-bars and handrails in the bathrooms
- Using non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors
- Wearing shoes inside and outside of the home to avoid slipping
- Installing handrails on both sides of stairwells and steps
- Moving more carefully around the home
“Many people fall at home by moving too quickly from a sitting to a standing position and vice versa,” Bowers adds. Preventing falls like these is as easy as taking your time. Also, remember to take a pause before using the railing on stairs when going up or down.
“We all want the older adults in our lives to live comfortably and independently in their own homes,” she concluded. “By focusing on safety first and taking preventive steps to avoid falls, our older loved ones can stay safe in their homes and enjoy a productive, happy life as long as they possibly can.”
For more information about fall prevention, talk to your doctor or contact IPMR Senior World at 309-495-4530 in Peoria or 309-263-1157 in Morton.
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