According to the CDC, 25% of older adults report falling every year. This amounts to over 14 million seniors, and that can result in a shocking number of injuries and costs. Not to mention, falls can have an adverse effect on seniors' future overall health.
While this may be a cause for concern, the good news is that there are ways to prevent or reduce the risk of falls. If you have an elderly loved one in Richmond, VA, and you'd like senior safety tips, then keep reading. This article goes over slip, trip, and fall prevention so you can make things safer for your loved one.
Senior apartment design isn't just for aesthetics; it's for independent living safety too. By checking each room, avoiding falls in seniors can be an easy thing to do.
Here's what you can do in each area of your loved one's house.
Are there cords along the flooring or walkways? Then coil or tape them along the baseboards. If there are small throw rugs, either remove or secure them with non-slip backing.
The pathways to the bathroom and kitchen should be wide and clutter-free. Clear these areas and put things away in their appropriate locations.
Install touch or motion-sensor lamps at the entryways to the bedroom, hallway, and bathroom. You should also install nightlights on the route from the bedroom to the bathroom.
There should be sturdy handrails on both sides of the staircase. Mark the edge of each step with high-contrast tape so your beloved senior can see each one clearly.
The steps should be even, solid, and well-lit (light switches at both the top and bottom of the stairs).
Install grab bars beside the toilet, as well as inside and outside the tub or shower.
The shower should be handheld and have a comfortable chair, too. If there's a tub, add non-slip decals or a mat.
Everyday items should be stored between shoulder and knee height.
For everything else, your loved one should use a reacher tool. Avoid step stools unless they have rails and a wide base.
Porches, ramps, and walkways should be level and well-lit. Sweep away leaves and grit.
If there are steps and ramp surfaces, you should add non-skid treads. For safe shoe changes, put a bench near the door.
Your elderly mother may be a fashion icon, but there comes a time when safety should override aesthetics. Seniors should wear low-heeled shoes with firm heel counters and slip-resistant soles. While they may be comfortable, floppy slippers shouldn't be worn.
Inspect their canes and walkers, too. If they're worn, they should be replaced. And if you're concerned about the device height, have it fitted by a PT.
For the winter, consider ice/snow cleats and a cane. These should be removed when indoors.
As far as fall prevention activities go, balance exercises for seniors are excellent! It's already important that older adults keep up their physical strength, as this can help them maintain their independence.
Ideally, your loved one should do low-impact balance exercises. For example, tai chi is outstanding, as it'll practice not only balance and strength, but also mindfulness, which is excellent for mental health.
There are also physical therapy-based balance programs your loved one can try.
Speak to your beloved senior's doctor and request a fall-risk medication review at least annually or after any new prescriptions. Ask about anything that may cause dizziness or drowsiness, such as:
In addition, bring all medications (including over-the-counter ones and supplements) to a pharmacist or clinician. You can discuss whether deprescribing is appropriate for your loved one.
Lastly, have them get annual eye and hearing checks. Things like diabetic cataracts can impact vision and contribute to trips and falls, so it's essential for your loved one to be checked regularly. They should also update their glasses and clean their hearing aids.
At their next primary-care visit, your senior should request the following:
Luckily, we live in a modern world where many pieces of technology and simple tools can help older adults lead a more accessible lifestyle. For instance, you can add an "ICE" (in case of emergency) contact to their smartphones, and they can use voice assistants to call for help hands-free.
For the hallway and bathroom, consider smart plugs and motion-sensing nightlights. Not only do these turn on and off automatically, but they can also help reduce utility bills.
If your loved one lives alone, then we suggest medical alert wearables. These have automatic fall detection, meaning they'll get prompt medical assistance if needed.
As the seasons change, so do safety needs. For example, during the fall, leaf litter and acorns make the sidewalks slick, so sweep these off of porches and stoops. Report hazardous sidewalks to the city or property owners.
In the winter, treat steps and walkways early. Keep sand or kitty litter near the entrances and add a boot tray to avoid puddles indoors.
As for humidity and rain, use non-slip mats at entrances and in bathrooms. Dry floors promptly if they get wet.
You may get over a slip and fall easily, but you're young in comparison to your older loved one. The fact is that your body naturally deteriorates over the years, and it's not as good at healing as it was before, so even a small slip can be challenging to recover from.
This is why it's important to practice good slip, trip, and fall prevention. So do your part and help your loved one make their home safer.
Get in touch with us today for more information on senior living in Richmond, VA. Virginian has on-site laundry and wheelchair accessibility for our residents' convenience.