Falls are a leading cause of hospital admissions for the elderly, yet taking a bit of time to spot the dangers and take preventative action can drastically reduce the risk.
One of the most common reasons why elderly people find themselves admitted to hospital is falling. Not only are elderly people more at risk of falling due to decreased muscle tone and/or balance and co-ordination problems, they are also more at risk of serious falls and some never come home again.
Prevention is better than cure
Research by the Live in Care Hub shows that elderly people in care homes are more likely to suffer a fall than those cared for in their own homes. The reasons for this are many, but the most important reasons are:
- closer supervision,
- help on hand,
- familiar surroundings.
Where an elderly person is being cared for in their own home they are typically looked after by one carer, whether this is a paid live in carer or a friend or family member – care funding guidance is available for this sort of case. This means they can be gently dissuaded from taking actions know to be risky and can easily obtain help so they are not tempted to try something that is likely to result in a fall or other injury. Which shows how important it is to choose the right level of care.
Elderly people can find it difficult to adapt to new surroundings. Even at home a change of room layout can be disorientating and can make falls more likely.
Identify risks from medical conditions
As people get older they often develop medical conditions which make them more prone to falling. Conditions such as Parkinsons, which affects movement, make the sufferer more unsteady on their feet and falls can happen “out of the blue”.
Some medications can also have the side-effects of dizziness or vertigo, again which can cause a fall. Any side-effects should be reported to the doctor as, in some cases, a different drug or method of delivery can lessen such effects.
Dementia can affect depth perception, which can also lay the foundation for a nasty fall. Rugs can look like holes in the ground and sufferers can misjudge thresholds causing them to trip.
Reduce the risk around the home
Take a walk around the home and remove as much clutter as possible. Hallways and walkways through rooms should be kept clear. Consider removing rugs which could cause a trip hazard and make sure chairs have enough manoeuvring room to allow the user to turn round and sit easily. Bear in mind that stick and Zimmer frame users will require more space than a younger person would.
In the bathroom fit grab rails around the bath and shower. Consider using a hoist, inflatable bath seat or shower with shower seat to avoid slipping when bathing or showering. A raised toilet seat can make it easier to get on and off the toilet and can be integrated into a frame to provide support when standing up.
Outdoors make sure that ramps are not too steep or slippery to be used safely. Steps should have a hand rail and anti-slip markings on the step edge.
Take a moment now to assess the risks, and avoid the fall.
