Falls prevention is a critical topic for anyone supporting an older person. The statistics are stark; one in three people over 65 will have at least one fall every year. This risk rises to one in two for people over 80. Understanding and implementing strategies for the prevention of falls is not just about avoiding injury, it’s about preserving a person's quality of life.
As we age, falls become more dangerous. The body’s ability to recover from damage diminishes, and an initial injury can trigger a significant decline in both physical and mental health. Many people who experience a fall develop a deep-seated fear of it happening again, which can severely affect their daily activity levels and overall happiness.
However, it's a powerful truth that most falls are not inevitable. They are often preventable. There are many proactive steps and interventions we can take to reduce the risk and ensure our loved ones remain safe and secure in their own homes. This guide provides essential tips and advice on fall prevention in elderly people, helping you to identify potential hazards and build a robust care plan for fall management.
Unfortunately, ageing brings with it an increased risk of slipping, tripping, or falling. Several key risk factors contribute to this vulnerability, making fall prevention for elderly individuals a priority. Many underlying health conditions are a leading cause of falls. For example, if your loved one's eyesight is poor, they may not see trip hazards clearly.
If a medical condition or a side effect from medications causes dizziness or makes them feel lightheaded, their balance can be compromised, and they may be more likely to fall. For those with mobility problems, even a simple act like getting up from a chair can be difficult and lead to a fall. Proactive fall prevention for older adults begins with being aware of these challenges.
In addition, people with certain health issues can be particularly badly injured by a fall. If your loved one has osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones, they are at a higher risk of falls leading to broken bones.
For those taking blood-thinning medication, a fall could cause a serious injury like internal bleeding, leading to further complications. It's crucial that both the person and their families understand these specific risks.
Most falls, especially in younger and healthier people, don't lead to a serious injury. However, this isn't always the case for older people, where the consequences can be severe and long-lasting.
Falls can lead to significant physical injuries, such as:
Some of these injuries may require hospitalisation or even surgery, leading to a long and often difficult recovery period. The cost associated with medical care can also be substantial.
Furthermore, the psychological impact cannot be overstated. Many people who have fallen once become extremely anxious and afraid of falling again. This anxiety can cause them to lose confidence and become less active, avoiding activities they once enjoyed.
This reduction in physical activity can, ironically, weaken their muscles and worsen their balance, further increasing their future fall risk. Preserving independence is a key benefit of effective fall prevention.
Taking a holistic view is the best way to create a safer environment and support your loved one. Practical falls prevention strategies can be divided into a few main categories:
Perhaps the most important factor in falls prevention is making the environment as safe as possible. Everyone in the home is at risk from trip hazards. You may need to make some simple changes to make the home safer for them.
These changes may include removing loose rugs, replacing threadbare carpet that could catch a foot, or rearranging furniture to clear pathways and eliminate trailing wires. Improving storage solutions to reduce clutter on the floor is also a simple but effective step. Ensure that all flooring provides a good grip, avoiding overly polished or slippery surfaces.
If there are any slip hazards, such as a spilt drink or a wet floor in the kitchen or bathroom, clean and dry them immediately.
Does your loved one have to get up every time they need something? Constant movement increases the chances a fall might happen. If possible, make sure they have a table or area near their favourite chair where they can keep a drink, a book, a snack, the TV remote, their phone, or other necessities.
If they regularly have to bend, stretch, or climb to reach items in the kitchen or bathroom, work with them to rearrange where important things are kept. Consider what items they use every day and make sure they are easily reachable, between waist and shoulder height. This simple change reduces the need to carry items while moving, which can affect balance.
Some people may need to consider more extensive changes to the home. An occupational therapist can perform a home assessment and recommend modifications tailored to individual needs. Your local council or local authorities may offer grants or assistance for these adaptations.
If your loved one's mobility means they are no longer safe on the stairs, would a stairlift be helpful? Or is it possible to move their bedroom and bathroom downstairs to avoid using stairs altogether? For people who are worried about falls in the bathroom or when climbing up the front step, grab rails are an excellent and low-cost option.
Many falls are caused by people not being able to see properly. Even if their eyesight is good, everyone struggles in poor lighting. Make sure that rooms are well-lit and that your loved one can easily get around. Light switches should be accessible at the entrance to each room.
If you worry about your loved one not being able to see at night, consider installing nightlights or motion-sensor lights in the hallway, bedroom, and bathroom. This ensures they are never walking in the dark.
Your loved one may also benefit from night care. A night care assistant can support your loved one if they need to move around during the night, ensuring there is enough light for them to be safe and offering a helping hand to prevent falls.
If your loved one has health conditions that cause dizziness or make them feel faint, this can increase their risk of falls. This might include high or low blood pressure, vertigo, heart disease, or even problems with their inner ears.
Helping your loved one manage their condition may include using a stick or walking frame, or following a special diet. Encourage your loved one to talk to their GP or specialist nurse to ensure their treatment plan is optimal. It's vital to regularly review their medicines.
If your loved one struggles to remember to take their medication, consider organising home care services. A carer can provide prompts or assistance with medications, as prescribed by their doctor.
Even when following instructions, many medications have side effects. Unfortunately, drowsiness, dizziness, or nausea are common, and all can lead to an increased fall risk. If a certain medicine is causing issues, encourage them to raise this with their medical team. They may be able to refer them to other professionals or find an alternative.
Make sure that your loved one is eating a healthy diet and drinking properly. We must take their bone health into account.
Many people eat and drink less if they are finding it hard to manage at home. Planning and preparing meals can take a lot of effort. However, skipping meals and not drinking enough can lead to low blood sugar and dehydration. It's important to stay hydrated, as dehydration can cause dizziness and make a person feel lightheaded.
You could prepare meals in advance for them or ensure that healthy snacks are available. It is also vital to get enough vitamin D and calcium to maintain strong bones. Sunlight is a great source of vitamin D, but a supplement may be recommended by their GP. A balanced diet rich in this vitamin is key for long-term health.
In addition, people who drink excessive amounts of alcohol are likely to feel unsteady on their feet. Encourage your loved one to avoid alcohol or drink in moderation.
Continuing to stay active is vital for fall prevention. Gentle exercises can improve your loved one's strength and balance. This might include regular walking, practising side-stepping, and simple balance exercises like tai chi or yoga. Even just standing on one leg while safely holding onto a chair or table can help maintain muscle tone.
A carer can provide support and encouragement with physical activity. We can assist with exercise routines outlined by a physiotherapist, helping your loved one to build strength and confidence safely. Regular activity is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of falling.
If your loved one has poor eyesight, make sure they have the right glasses prescription. If they struggle to get out and about, many opticians offer a home visit service for an eye test and fitting.
Once your loved one has glasses that work for them, ensure they are wearing them when necessary. Bifocal or varifocal lenses can sometimes cause problems with depth perception when looking down, which can be a risk on stairs. It may be better to have separate glasses for distance and reading. If they are prone to losing their glasses, encourage them to order several pairs at a time!
It may sound simple, but clothing choices can play a part in falls. Undone laces, ill-fitting shoes with poor grip, very long trousers or skirts, and especially high heels, can all lead to trips and falls. Encourage your loved one to choose safe, comfortable clothing and well-fitting, supportive shoes to avoid these easy-to-mitigate risk factors.
If your loved one is alone for long periods, they may benefit from having a pendant alarm or mobile phone with them at all times. This provides fall help if they have a fall and need to call for assistance, offering peace of mind for everyone.
If your loved one needs more help than you can easily offer, consider whether they might benefit from home care services like live-in care. Care providers like Tiggo Care can offer support to ensure they are not taking unnecessary risks. Our carers can assist with daily tasks, provide companionship, and offer a watchful eye, all of which contribute to effective fall management and help patients stay safe at home.
Falls can be a serious problem for older adults or people with underlying health conditions. However, a formal risk evaluation can show that there are many actions we can take to reduce the risk. From making the home safer to encouraging gentle exercise and ensuring medications are reviewed, these interventions are key.
If you or your loved one are concerned about falls, your GP may be able to offer a fall risk assessment or balance test. They can also provide advice related to specific health concerns. The local community health team may also run classes or clinics focused on the prevention of falls.
At Tiggo Care, we have experience supporting people who are at risk of falls. Contact us to discuss how our services can help your loved one maintain their independence and quality of life safely at home.
The 4 P’s of prevention stand for: Pain, Position, Placement, and Personal needs. These are key areas that care professionals and family members should consider to reduce the risk of falls. Does the person have unmanaged pain causing them to move carefully? Is their position in the bed or chair safe? Is the placement of their personal items within easy reach? And are all their personal needs, like needing the toilet, being met to avoid rushed and unsafe movement?
Three common causes of falls among older adults are environmental hazards like clutter or poor lighting, medical issues such as inner ear problems that affect balance, and medication side effects that cause dizziness. This is why a comprehensive assessment is so crucial to identify specific risks.
Older people can improve their balance with simple, regular exercises. Activities like walking, tai chi, and gentle yoga are excellent. Simple strengthening exercises, like standing up from a chair several times without using hands, can also build muscle and support stability. They should always seek advice from their GP before starting a new physical activity programme.
If someone has a fall, try to remain calm. Assess if they are injured or in pain – if so, call 999 immediately. Do not try to move them. If they feel they can get up on their own and there's no obvious sign of injury, encourage them to do so slowly. Afterwards, they should rest. If they are unable to get up unassisted, you must call 999. A paramedic needs to check them for injury before they are moved, as incorrect handling can worsen a serious injury.
Get in touch with Tiggo Care today to see how we can help you or your loved one.
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