Fall prevention is vital for older adults. If you haven’t seen, I’m doing a series on safety this week. We’ve covered home safety checks and the role caregivers play in safety. Today, I’ll be going over some basic dos and don’ts of fall prevention. Seniors who fall once are at an increased risk of falling again.
Do: Ask for Assistance
Never be afraid to ask someone for assistance while doing something that may make you fall. One of the main things our caregivers who help with personal care do is assist with transfers. No one wants you to fall, so ask for help. It’s also ok to ask someone to be nearby if you don’t feel like you need direct, hands-on assistance at that very moment.
Do: Use Rails and Grab Bars
Never forget to use railings going up the stairs. As for grab bars, they’re typically used in the shower and they are very helpful for fall prevention while maintaining an older adult’s independence. Also, consider a shower chair for this same reason. An older adult will be able to shower independently while reducing their fall risk as well.
Do: Pin Down Rugs
Rugs are a huge fall risk that many people don’t even think about, especially if they’ve lived in the same house for decades, and they’ve had rugs for years. When you’re younger, yes, you could trip on the rug but the health risk of that fall would be minimal. When you’re older, a fall could mean a broken bone.
Don’t: Move Furniture
This can be especially dangerous if the older adult in question has dementia. It’s good to clear clutter from walkways, but do not move furniture. People use the same furniture to balance themselves for years. They’ve likely memorized where the furniture is, and if it’s dark and they can’t see, it’ll be a recipe for a fall.
This was a short one, but I will be back tomorrow, so do not worry!
