Fall Prevention Tips: Caring for Aging Parents

More than 10,000 people turn 65 every day in the United States. As people live longer, most want to stay in their homes as long as possible. One fall could change it all. During winter, hospitals see a significant increase in elderly patients with fall injuries.

According to Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 2016, accidental falls among seniors are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal unintentional injuries. The CDC notes that 1 in 5 or about 20% of adult falls lead to life-altering changes, primarily from broken hips or brain injuries. Accidental falls affect 30% of adults over 60 years, and 40% of seniors are aged 80 to 85 years. Falls are the most common type of unintentional injury in the United States and the leading cause of accidental death. Paying close attention to preventative tips could help your loved one remain safe. With these helpful tips, relatives can help their loved ones prepare their homes to avoid potential falls. Keeping your loved one safe in their home may allow them to age in place and remain independent longer. Jennifer Brown is a Physical Therapist for AccentCare and knows firsthand what a fall can mean for families and patients. Her insights may save you from facing that life-changing scenario, “As AccentCare’s Physical Therapist for over ten years and with aging parents, I have seen how falls can impact families and patients. It can result in loss of independence, reduced quality of life, and, unfortunately, often a significant injury.”

Here are some tips that you can do to keep your parents or loved one safe and independent in their home:

• Proper Lighting: Our vision changes as we age, and getting up to use the restroom in the middle of the night is one of the most common reported falls in home health. Ensure your loved one has night lights and proper lighting set up at nighttime or in dark hallways/rooms to ensure they can see their environment.

• Assess their shower/tub to ensure non-slip surfaces are in place: Is there a need for grab bars or handrails to ensure they can safely enter/exit their shower and bathe themselves? The shower or tub is one of the most significant risks for falls.

• Ensure their pathways are clear: Assessing your loved one’s home for potential trip hazards is important. Do they have a rug that is not properly adhered to the floor? Is there a change in flooring surfaces without a proper transition to prevent tripping? Are there exposed cords that could increase the potential for them to trip? Ensure furniture and clutter are removed from their path.

• Wearing proper non-slip shoes: Our sensory awareness in our feet can change as we age. Wearing the right fitting shoes with a good non-slip surface to allow for adequate lifting of your feet during walking is essential. House shoes and slippers without a back can often cause you to shuffle your feet during walking, putting your loved one at increased risk of tripping.

• Help your loved ones manage their medications: Many medications may have side effects that can increase your risk of falling. Ensure your loved one is taking their medication as prescribed by their doctor. Always confer with your doctor or physician if you or your loved ones have health concerns. They can be a wealth of knowledge and assist in getting you the solutions you might need. If balance or falling is an issue, immediately communicate your concerns and questions to your medical practitioner.