A survey has reported that 1.6 million seniors are being treated in emergency wards for fall-related injuries. A compilation of the top reasons for such falls is given below for your reference….
Impaired vision
Impaired vision is due to age related vision issues. Not wearing proper glasses/lenses will be the cause.
Surgeries
Surgeries in an elderly person will lead to weakness. Hip replacement and other surgeries will cause pain, discomfort and less mobility.
Diseases
Your dear ones are prone to Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and arthritis that lead to weakness, balance disorders, poor grip strength and cognitive impairment.
Irregular Exercise Practices
Lack of proper exercise will result in poor muscle tone, lowers the bone mass. This leads to loss of balance and decreased flexibility.
Multiple Medications
Multiple medications including sedatives, anti-psychotic drugs and anti-depressants increase the risk of falling.
Unsafe Home Environment
One-third of falls are due to unsafe home environment that include lose carpets, dim light and absence of railings. Elderly falls are not inevitable, but it could be prevented with care finder (few modifications in home and products that ensure safety).
How To Prevent Elderly Fall?
Foot Wear
Foot problems are very common in old age. As a person gets older, his feet start losing the cushioning due to various reasons. Start wearing comfortable shoes. Avoid high heeled shoes that pressure your foots. Have your loved ones’ feet measured before buying shoes. Do not allow them to spend most time sitting on a chair, with legs crossed. This affects the blood circulation. Teach your dear ones to stretch and exercise regularly to improve blood circulation. Kindly tell them not to wear tight socks or fashionable shoes.
Hand Rails & Walking Aids
Install the rail in the center of steps. That way he/she can use the hands for help.
Use of hand rails motivates the elder’s mobility and accessibility. Stair rails on either side of the stair case provide good support. Teach your elder ones to use the walking stick properly. Improper way of using it on the stair case could end up in a tragedy.
Mobility Devices
The sense of freedom and independence is crucial for both physical and emotional well being. Mobility products such as wheel chair and others have become a good source of freedom for the seniors. They are able to engage in day to day activities, get from one place to another and reach objects.
Few Other Arrangements in Home
It is not possible to shift all rooms to the ground floor. But still, it would be better to have washroom down stairs. This could reasonably stop frequent ups and downs and prevent fall.
Grab Rails
Grab rails are highly useful to get around the garden safely. It avoids painful stretching (or) bending and reduces the risk of falling. Teach your loved ones to rely on the grab rails and tell them the fact that doing so will help to prevent injury and assures safety mobility. Implement bathroom grab bars to prevent falls during shower.
The Checklist
Do you want to know if your dear ones are happy and safe with you? Have the checklist and rate yourself.
Are they comfort with their mobility?
- Is the home safe (or) are there any traps on the floor?
- Can you recognize the “safe zones” where your loved ones can wonder?
- Are there any “Danger Zones” to restrict your dear ones?
- Are they comfortable with their walk stick?
- Do your dear ones enjoy a clear vision with apt lens?
Likewise prepare a checklist for yourself and ensure your loved ones’ happiness. Care for them with love, kindness and compassion.
What To Do In Case Of A Fall?
The centre of disease control and prevention (CDC) has reported that elderly falls often lead to head injuries, hip or other fractures. Most falls could be prevented.
- Calm down your loved ones and encourage them to take slow, deep breaths. Check if he/she is injured
- Observe the severity and call the emergency help line in case of any bleeding
- Help them to get up slowly, incase if they are not injured
- Monitor their mobility. kindly ask your loved ones to move their legs and arms, and tell to roll to their side
- Slowly take them to the kneeling position. Place a chair in front of them to get hold of it for stability
- Make them to sit down comfortably and give them a glass of water
First Aid Kit For Elderly People
It is better to have the first Aid kit with you, to treat them immediately. Your first Aid kit for seniors should contain the following items:
- Thermometer
- Breathing barrier
- Cold pack
- Cotton balls
- Blood pressure / Blood sugar monitor
- Aspirin
- Antibiotic ointment
- Soap (or) Hand sanitizer
- Your loved ones drug slip
- First Aid guide
- Emergency help line contact number
- Band Aids (knee & elbow sizes)
All elderly falls must be assisted by a doctor (or) emergency department.
