jazz: Reduce the Risk of Elderly Falls with Frequent Home Inspections ...

: Caregivers Conduct Home Inspections and Make Repairs to Prevent Elderly Falls at Home - rioncm

Whether it's your house that's unsafe or an elderly family member's living space, a caregiver can routinely check for common home hazards that cause falls.

The frequency of falls among seniors increases after age 65. Mobility mishaps can occur anywhere, but the majority of falls happen at home in familiar surroundings. What causes an elderly person to fall? What steps can a caregiver take to reduce the risks associated with falls in the home for an older person?

Reasons Why Elderly People Fall in the Home

It's not easy growing old. The senses begin to fail and the mind becomes forgetful. Living for the moment means time is running out and there's no way to add minutes. Mobility becomes a challenge for many; the slightest misstep can end in a trip to the hospital with a broken hip. Sometimes, though, it's not declining health but the living area itself that presents one or more problems. Ignoring safety precautions can result in falls, too.

Below is a list of common reasons why seniors fall in the home:

Poor vision
Medication side effects (Drowsiness and dizziness)
Inattention to surroundings (Familiar and unfamiliar)
Fatigue (Sleepiness)
Debilitating neurological and/or physical conditions such as stroke, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis
Poor coordination from not sleeping well
Pets that get underfoot and their toys
Loss of agility (Stiff joints and aching muscles)
Lack of space to ambulate safely with mobility aids (Walkers and canes)
Failing to wipe up spills/water on the floor, especially in the kitchen and bathroom
Slippery area rugs
Extension cords
Slippers and loose-fitting footwear
Clutter that causes stumbling, including (but not limited to) children's toys
Uneven floors, or flooring in need of repair
Loose stair steps, loose banisters
Hurrying to answer the door or phone
Steps that are difficult to see in low light

The May 2011 issue of Family Circle magazine offers insight from a staff writer (no name given) who says, "Every year one in every three people over age 65 fall, mostly in their homes. Up to 30% of these adults suffer a serious injury, such as a hip fracture, which can make it difficult for them to get around and greatly increases the risk of early death."

What a Home Caregiver Can Do to Reduce the Risk of Falls for an Elderly Person

Inspect the elder's living area (at your home or their house) at least once or twice a month (more often if needed). Look for obvious problems like broken or missing tiles, uneven thresholds and waxed floors too slippery for someone who has trouble getting around. What else can caregivers do to eliminate falling risks for seniors?

Remove cords from walkways.
Repair broken flooring.
De-clutter walkways and tables, shelves or similar place where piled belongings could fall onto the floor.
Restrict pets to gated areas. Or, put a bell on the pet's collar as a warning to the senior to watch out.
Place items that are used often in easy-to-reach places. (Stepping stools can cause accidents, too.)
Install bathroom safety equipment such as grab bars by the toilet and in the shower. Use a non-skid bath mat in the tub. Place a non-skid rug on the floor outside the tub.
Check room carpeting for bunched areas and tack down curling edges.
Replace slippery area rugs with rugs that have non-skid backing.
Repair loose, missing or broken stair steps and banisters.
Use nightlights (solar styles work well)
Sign up for an emergency alert service or suggest the elder keep a cell phone handy at all times.

When an aging family member trips or stumbles, and suffers a disabling fall, the entire caregiver household is disrupted. The elderly loved one's recovery could last for weeks ? maybe even months. Frequent home inspections can eliminate many of the risks associated with falls. Take an active role in reducing home injuries and fall prevention for the sake of all family members. The few dollars spent on home repair and safety devices may save a small fortune in medical bills later on.

Sources

Family Circle magazine: "For Your Parents", May 2011 Issue (Staff writer, page 160).
LifeAlert ? (Online): ?Life Alert Emergency Response, Inc. (1987-2011).