Trips and falls are the leading cause of injuries among seniors
By Melissa Sprouse Browne and Anna Gelbman Edmonds
As we age, the threat of injury from a fall increases more than you might expect. That risk increases exponentially in seniors with mobility issues. As a young person, picking yourself up after a fall is easy. However, seniors may not be able to get up at all without help. And for seniors who live alone, that can have deadly consequences.
Two-thirds of accidents caused by trips and falls are preventable
Seniors should be evaluated by a doctor for personal fall risk factors. Once you know what to watch for, you can take steps to modify or avoid any scenarios
and behaviors that could possibly lead to trips and falls. For example, removing rugs and clutter one can trip over, installing grab bars in bathrooms, and ensuring rooms and hallways are well lit.
People with impaired balance can reduce the risk of harmful falls by undergoing posture and strength training. Walking in a fully upright position has proven to lower the number of falls among those who walked with a stooped posture. Regular exercises that keep the hips and knees flexible and leg muscles strong go a long way in keeping seniors steady on their feet. Tai Chi is also an excellent low-impact method for improving balance. (See video below.)
Changes in vision, such as a decline in vision or recent adjustment in one’s prescription eyewear, can also lead to dizziness, poor balance and falls. Make sure your loved one is getting regular eye exams for both health and vision screening.
Another thing to consider in preventing trips and falls is footwear. Non-skid soles and correct arch and ankle support are the hallmarks of safe and comfortable shoes. Today we have much more fashionable choices in footwear offering these important features. Many styles and colors are available that look like standard tennis shoes or dress shoes. Slippers should also have non-skid soles. Walking around in socks, clogs, and platform or high-heeled shoes should be avoided.
While we’re on the subject of feet, be aware of the level of sensation in your loved one’s feet, particularly among diabetics. If complaints about numbness, burning, pain or tingling in the feet arise, ask the doctor to evaluate for peripheral neuropathy. That is a disease leading to nerve damage in the feet and the reduced sensation that results means a greater susceptibility to trips and falls
When all else fails
Many seniors will resist the use of a walking aid, such as a cane or walker. But it can literally mean the difference between independence and dependence. No one looks forward to having to rely on such devices, but if the alternative is not being able to walk at all, you should be able to convince them of the benefits
Mitigate potential injuries by teaching seniors what to do if they experience a fall
- Drop what they’re carrying so the hands can be free to help break the fall.
- Don’t move or let anyone move them if they’re concerned something is broken, until evaluated by a medical professional.
- Use a professional alert system, carry a cell phone or have a way to signal someone if a fall happens. Lying on the floor for a long time after a fall can be very dangerous.
- Try to pull up into a chair instead of standing all the way up right away if not seriously injured. Try to avoid putting weight on an injured area.
- Apply ice to minor bruises.
- Evaluate what happened and see a repeat occurrence can be avoided in the future.
