Reducing Fall Risks for Seniors
by Michelle Kicherer of www.BananaPitch.com
Do you know the steps you can take for reducing fall risks for seniors? One of the most common causes of injury in older adults is falling, and for a variety of reasons older bodies are typically more easily injured than their younger counterparts.
Older adults tend to have poor coordination which not only causes falls, but results in falls causing greater damage (for example, older folks may not brace themselves well). Older adults typically have fragile bones (resulting in increased break risk), weaker muscles, and poorer vision than they used to. All of these factors increase fall risk for more serious injuries as a result of falling. Folks with dementia tend to have an even higher risk of falling, due to poor nutrition, coordination and gait.
Below are some ways for reducing fall risks for seniors in your life:
- Make sure rugs are either very secure and flat around the edges, or taken out altogether .
- Be mindful of what shoes your older adults are wearing; no loose slippers or backless house shoes.
- Likewise with socks: if their living space has wood or otherwise slick floors, sock feet might not be the best option. Removing slick, slippery footwear is key to reducing fall risks for seniors.
- Remind older adults to drink enough fluids. This keeps muscles functioning better.
- Keep hallways well lit. Some find it useful to install light sensors, especially for late night wanderers.
- Secure handrails when appropriate. Especially in rooms with steps, even if it’s only a couple steps!
- As much as possible, keep floors clean and tidy, so there are less objects to trip on.
Thank you for all you do for the older adults in your life. One of the most important ways of showing you care is to help keep people safe! Make sure you take these steps for reducing fall risks for seniors today.
