Elderly Fall Prevention Strategies for Safer Living in Boise, Idaho
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The CDC reports that over one-fourth of Americans aged 65 and older fall every year. In some cases, these seniors pick themselves back up and go about normally. But in many other cases, they suffer injuries that are so bad that they need to go to the emergency room and have surgery. Not only are these trips costly, but the recovery process afterward is stressful, too.
This is why it's important to focus on senior fall safety. With elderly fall prevention, you can decrease the chances of such serious falls happening to begin with.
Read on to see what steps you can take for your beloved senior in Boise, ID.
Improve Home Lighting for Better Visibility
Poor lighting is a major contributor to falls, especially at night. After all, if you can't see obstacles, you can't avoid them.
Seniors should ensure that every room, hallway, and stairway is well-lit. Adding nightlights to the following areas can help when moving around in the dark:
- Bedrooms
- Bathrooms
- Hallways
In addition, light switches should be easy to reach at both ends of staircases and near entrances. If you want your loved one to have extra safety, consider motion-sensor lights that automatically turn on when someone walks into a space.
Remove Tripping Hazards and Clutter
A clutter-free home is a safer home. Plus, it's better for your loved one's mental health.
These things in walkways can cause unexpected trips, so help your beloved senior remove them:
- Loose rugs
- Electrical cords
- Stacks of magazines
- Shoes
If your loved one must have rugs, then secure them with non-slip backing.
You can also help them rearrange furniture to provide wide, clear pathways. This is especially useful if they use mobility aids, like canes or walkers.
If possible, drop by regularly to see if there are new hazards, such as spills, pet toys, or items left on the stairs.
Install Grab Bars and Handrails for Extra Support
The most common spaces where falls occur are the bathrooms and staircases. There are slippery surfaces for both, but you can mitigate these risks with a few simple steps.
The first is installing grab bars near the toilet, bathtub, and shower. These will give your loved one a firm support point when standing up or moving in and out.
The second is installing handrails on both sides of stairways to provide stability when they're going up or down.
These additions don't just help with balance; they also provide peace of mind for your beloved senior, making them more confident in their movements.
Wear Proper, Supportive Footwear
Not many people realize this, but footwear plays a huge role in fall prevention. In general, seniors should avoid slippers without backs, flip-flops, or socks on smooth floors, as all of these can slip easily.
Instead, older adults should choose shoes with non-slip soles, firm support, and a snug fit. For a comfortable option, consider lightweight sneakers with good cushioning. And for indoor use, they can wear supportive house shoes or slippers with rubber soles.
Strengthen Balance and Flexibility Through Exercise
It's essential that older adults keep up with physical wellness. There are myriad benefits, including better resistance to illnesses, but it also prevents falls.
Just adding gentle exercises can help improve balance, flexibility, and coordination. Ideas include:
- Tai chi
- Yoga
- Stretching routines
In addition, strength training can keep the leg and core muscles strong. As a result, standing and walking will be safer.
If your beloved senior is new to exercise, they can start small with daily walks, chair-based routines, and light balance training. These can all help your loved one stay independent and active longer.
Manage Medications and Health Conditions
Some medications can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and drops in blood pressure. This makes it essential for your loved one to review all prescriptions and over-the-counter medications with their doctor to check for side effects.
On that note, it's also important to manage chronic conditions, like:
- Diabetes
- Arthritis
- Vision problems
By keeping an updated list of medications and scheduling regular health checkups, they can stay on top of medical care and reduce unexpected risks.
Keep Vision and Hearing in Check
Good vision and hearing are vital for senior wellness. Regular eye exams can detect cataracts, glaucoma, or prescription changes that affect depth perception and balance.
If they need them, then your senior should wear proper glasses consistently. Regular hearing checks can also ensure they hear environmental cues.
Use Mobility Aids When Needed
Some older adults need mobility support, such as canes, walkers, walking poles, or rollators. These reduce strain on the body and create a safer, more stable way to move around.
But do note that according to the National Safety Council (NSC), those who use mobility aids are 11 times more likely to report a fall than those who don't. So you still have to be vigilant about their safety.
It's of the utmost importance that seniors choose the right device and adjust it properly for height and comfort. They should also learn how to use the mobility aids correctly.
Plan Ahead and Move Mindfully
One of the simplest yet most effective fall prevention tips is to slow down. When you rush to answer the phone or go to the bathroom, this can often lead to slips. Your beloved senior should give themselves extra time to move from sitting to standing, and they should also avoid sudden movements.
To reduce unnecessary strain, they should:
- Plan daily activities
- Keep essentials within easy reach
- Ask for help when needed
Do Your Part in Elderly Fall Prevention
It's not realistic to monitor your loved one 24/7. However, it's still possible for you to do effective elderly fall prevention.
Use the tips given in this article to make your senior's living environment safer and to help them get stronger and more stable. With time, they'll have more confidence and, therefore, more independence.
Overland Court offers a weekly housekeeping and linen service, as well as on-site maintenance services, so our residents have a stress-free experience. Contact us today if you want to hear more about senior living in Boise, ID.