4 Steps to Reduce Falls at Home

Falling is a common danger for seniors, and it’s actually gotten worse over the years and is expected to rise even more. Millions of seniors aged 65 and above fall each year, with 3 million treated in emergency rooms and 800,000 hospitalized. Not all falls result in injuries, but the injuries that do occur can be debilitating. Further, experiencing just one fall means the next fall is likely to be worse.

What can you do to mitigate this risk? Here are four major areas of improvement that seniors can take to reduce falls at home.

Identify and Treat Medical Conditions

Regular doctor visits and health checkups are important to identify any age-related medical conditions that can increase the risk of falls, and to plan treatment for any condition that arises.

Treatable medical conditions that contribute to falls include vitamin D deficiency, anemia, vision problems, foot pain or numbness, body weakness, medication side effects, and more. Symptoms such as dizziness, weakness, or drowsiness are commonly associated with these conditions and may cause a fall.

The more symptoms a senior has, the greater their risk of falling. Medications, rehabilitation therapy, or mobility devices can combat these conditions and improve an individual’s daily function and mobility so they’re less likely to fall.

Use a Mobility Device

Limitations in physical function are common with aging, and mobility is considered the most common disability among seniors, with some 10 million people having walking or climbing impairments.

Using a mobility device is a way to mitigate that impairment and reduce the risk of falls. Mobility devices consist of walkers, canes, and wheelchairs, all of which are available in different sizes, shapes, and styles. Some seniors may resist using such devices, but when the right one is used, it can be life-changing.

Walkers and canes should be compatible with the weight of the user and adjusted to the appropriate height. Some canes are built for different levels of weight bearing, so the dependency or load on the device should be considered before use.

Buy Senior-friendly Shoes

Aging changes the body in various ways, but changes to the feet might not be as obvious to some. Shoe sizes change as a result of aging. Further, seniors experience gait changes and tend to shuffle their feet when moving. Foot pain, muscle weakness, and reduced bone density are also symptoms that affect shoe fit and mobility and should be taken into consideration.

Given the impact of aging on the feet and the subsequent fall risk, it’s worthwhile to spend money on new shoes that are senior-friendly.

• Shoes should include a sturdy, low profile heel for broader ground contact and stability.
• Soles should include non-slip tread to provide traction in any condition or surface.
• Adequate cushioning and shock absorption may distribute pressure on the foot and reduce pain.
• Velcro closures are easier to tighten while eliminating the hazard of loose laces.
• Shoes should be well-fitting and comfortable, avoiding a too-tight fit that interferes with blood flow, or a too-large fit that produces blisters.

Use In-Home Services

Almost any sort of task can be ordered through a paid service or even free senior services where available. Whether that service is food delivery, housekeeping or transportation, seniors can reduce their risk of falls by having someone else perform these basic duties.

• Food delivery service eliminates the need for standing and lifting while cooking, which could result in falls while maneuvering around the kitchen.
• Housekeeping service is a way for the home to be tidied and cleaned without putting strain on a senior’s body. Harder to reach areas may be taken care of so a senior doesn’t feel compelled to stretch or climb.
• Transportation services are just a phone call or a few smartphone taps away thanks to senior resources and ridesharing opportunities, virtually eliminating the need to own a car at all. While seniors will be spared the risks related to driving, using transportation services also means there’s no need to do maintenance on the vehicle at home where falls could take place.
• Landscaping services are another option of home care that can be performed through a paid service so a senior doesn’t have to perform outdoor maintenance.

If a senior does experience a fall in the home, medical alert systems with monitoring services provide an emergency lifeline for swift response needed to reduce injuries.

Preventing all falls isn’t a feasible goal, but some measures can be taken to reduce the risk of falls in one’s own home. Seniors overwhelmingly desire to remain in their homes as they age, and fortunately, they can do so safely with a few changes.