Falls are one of the most common and dangerous things that can happen to an older adult.
1/3 of people over the age of 65 fall once a year
½ of people over the age of 80 fall once a year
1/3 of most falls require medical attention
55% of all falls happen at home
There are a number of causes but experts have learned that the Top 5 causes are:
- Impaired vision
- Home Hazards (throw rugs, electrical cords, clutter)
- Medications
- Weakness or Low balance
- Chronic Conditions ( i.e. Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease)
So how do you prevent such falls from happening? Here are some techniques for just that!
- Regular Exercise and/or Physical Therapy
- Medication review with your primary care physician to ensure that all of the medication that you are taking is necessary
- Vision Exams (People over the age of 70 should see their eye doctor at least once a year)
- Home Safety Evaluation (most people would like to ‘age in place’ so there are times that an assessment for home safety can assist with increasing safety and independence in the home while reducing the risk of falling)
- Remove clutter, throw rugs or any tripping hazard (papers, books, clothes, shoes) from walkways
- Increase lighting in the home (open window blinds, night lights in the hall ways, stair ways and especially in the bathrooms can assist to reduce falls)
- Wearing proper shoes with a good sole both inside and outside
- Avoiding the use of slippers
- Install grab bars near a tub or shower (remember that a towel rack is not a grab bar)
- Using non slip mats in the bathtub or shower floors
- Keeping frequently used items where they can be reached easily instead of using a step stool