How to Avoid Unexpected Fall Risks

According to the National Council on Aging, falls are the leading cause of non-fatal injury and death among older adults. If your aging loved one is over 65, there is a 25 percent chance that a fall will occur. In fact, a senior is admitted to the hospital for a fall every 11 seconds and these injuries result in death every 19 minutes. Falls are preventable, but there are several risks that are often overlooked.

How can you make sure your loved one is protected?

Children’s Toys

When the kids visit, do they bring toys that may be left strewn across the floor? An object as simple as a small stuffed animal could cause a serious fall. Not only should these toys be kept off the ground, but your loved one should be made aware that these belongings are present in the room just in case.

Floors and Area Rugs

At West Hartford Health & Rehabilitation Center, our floors are slip-resistant to prevent such accidents, but seniors need to be cautious of recently cleaned or waxed floors. Advise your loved one to walk more gingerly across shiny floors that may have the remnants of slippery cleaning products. Also be cautious about use of area rugs, as they are a common tripping hazard. Railings should be used for support whenever possible.

Medication Side Effects

Does a new medicine have hidden side effects that might lead to a fall? Pay close attention to the instructions and other fine print that comes with a prescription. Side effects like dizziness and drowsiness can increase a senior’s chance of falling.

High Storage Areas

Consider where commonly stored items are kept and limit the use of shelving that requires a step stool or ladder to reach things. Bending down low or reaching up high both present a fall risk to seniors. When you bend down and rise quickly, the blood can rush to your head too fast, which can temporarily impair vision or cause dizziness. If a senior then goes to take a step forward, he or she may trip over something or otherwise lose balance. Using a chair or step ladder to get an item off a high shelf can also be dangerous for older adults.

Preventing falls is a very important safety concern we all have for our aging loved ones. At West Hartford Health & Rehabilitation Center, we do all we can to ensure the living environment is secure. If you are considering a skilled nursing facility for your family member, contact us today to learn more about our admissions process.