Almost one quarter of Americans over the age of 65 fall every year, and these falls often lead to injury that can have lasting impacts on the health and well-being of a senior individual.Falls are the leading cause of injury for older Americans.There is no way to guarantee that a senior citizen will never fall, but there are precautions you can take to protect them from falling.By making sure the home is secure with all obstructions moved, ensuring that the senior has the right shoes and walking aids outdoors, salting down icy areas, and working with them on their balance and overall health, you can help protect a senior from a potentially dangerous fall.
Step 1: Keep the floors clean.
According to the National Safety Council, most falls happen at home, and one of the easiest ways to help protect a senior from falling in the home is to remove obstructions on the floor.The floor should be kept clear of toys, clothes, and other cleaning products.Place items aside from furniture in designated areas such as closets or hampers to keep them clear of the floor.Don't leave cords on the floor.You can try wireless devices where you can.If you need cords in an area, put them against the wall or baseboards.Keep stairs and doorways clear.Try to get yoru senior to avoid living in a home with stairs.Throw rugs are common causes of tripping and falls.If a rug is needed, use a flat or low-pile rug and secure the edges with nails or glue.Furniture that blocks pathways should be removed.Keep items in a place where they are easy to reach.If something is dropped around the house, consider purchasing extended grabber reaching aids.A common cause of dizziness for seniors is bending down to pick something up.
Step 2: Light your rooms well.
Trips and falls in the house can be prevented by providing proper lighting in important areas.Make sure there are at least two illuminating bulbs in important areas such as doorways and hallways, and that the switches are accessible from either side of a room entry or hall.If you are helping to care for an independent senior, consider helping them purchase and install lights that can be set on timers so that lights come on at night.
Step 3: The furniture needs to be the right height.
Seniors are at risk of tripping and falling on furniture that is too high or low.Make sure that the senior individual can sit up straight, have their feet sit flat on the floor, and that their knees don't rise above their hips.Furniture legs can be shortened or replaced if they are too long.If the legs are too short, you can buy risers or supports to lift the furniture up to the right height.
Step 4: Grab bars need to be installed.
Grab bars should be installed in the tub and shower and next to the toilet to help the senior individual lift and support themselves in an often slippery environment.These can be purchased from a home improvement store.The grab bars should be at the right height for the senior person.If you want to know where you should install the bars, have them sit or stand.If the person in question is short, you can install a raised toilet seat to make it easier to sit down and get up.
Step 5: You should get an alert system.
Seniors are able to report a fall with a number of alert systems.Button or switch are wall-mounted, while others are Wearable.Let the senior individual decide what system is best for them.A personal alert necklace or watch is often preferable as switches and buttons need to be installed in every room in the house, and may not be accessible if a senior falls.
Step 6: The sidewalk needs to be salted.
If you are in a snowy or icy environment, make sure the sidewalks and steps are cleared of snow and ice as much as possible, and salted heavily to help provide better traction.Senior individuals living independently can request the service of neighbors, loved ones, or their city to help keep their environment clear.If you help care for a senior individual, you can offer to help clear their sidewalk and driveway in the winter.
Step 7: Get good gear.
When a senior citizen is out of the house, proper shoes and canes can help keep them safe.Make sure that walkers and canes have rubber bottoms to help keep traction, and that the senior individual wears rubber-soled shoes with grips.Applying tennis balls to the front two legs can help the walker slide across carpeting without sticking.Quality rubber soled shoes can be found for a reasonable price from many shoe stores, and are often sold as work shoes.Ask a doctor or medical professional if they recommend a walking assistant.You can find more ideas and suggestions at a medical supply store.
Step 8: You should avoid areas with cracks.
Seniors should avoid the area if it is known to have a lot of cracks, holes, and other problems.Major dangers should be reported to the city.If a nearby park or walking path is not suitable for the safety concerns of a senior, help them find a new outdoor area that they can easily access on foot or through transportation.Request that the area be repaired as soon as possible for the safety of the senior resident by reporting any major potholes or tripping hazards near the home.
Step 9: Try to do regular balance exercises.
Tai Chi can help reduce the risk of a senior falling.If you are a senior, consider taking a low impact strength and balance class at a community center or senior service center.If you help care for a senior citizen, talk to them about a low-impact exercise routine that focuses on strength and balance.Help them find a Tai Chi class that caters to seniors.Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise a week.
Step 10: Look for regular vision checks.
Obstacles and obstructions can be seen clearly by scheduling annual vision exams.It is important for senior citizens to have their eyes checked at least once a year.Problems with sight can make seeing obstacles more difficult.Long-term treatment and management options can be found in an opthamologist's office.
Step 11: Take care of your medications.
Many medications have side effects that can affect vision, balance, or strength.Whether you are a senior individual or you help care for one, make sure medication is taken at the right times every day.Every time a new prescription is issued, have the doctor or pharmacist review the current prescriptions to make sure they work together.A timed pill dispensers can be used to make sure the right pills are taken on the correct days.