Preventing Falls in the Home

Senior Care in Fairfax VA

Falls are the leading cause of death among people 65 and older, and people with reduced vision are at an even greater risk of falls or fractures, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control. In addition, one in three people 65 years of age or older fall, while 2 million are treated in emergency rooms for fall-related injuries every year in the United States.

Generally, falls are related to gait and impaired mobility, deteriorating postural ability, muscular strength, or medications.  Wearing the wrong footwear and tripping over furniture and other items also cause a fair amount of falls. One thing is certain – most falls can be prevented.  As a person providing senior care for your aging parent or an elderly loved one, you can play a role in preventing falls and avoiding unwanted injuries to your loved one.

• Encourage your loved one to get exercise to build strength and improve body balance. Certain exercises are better than others for this, like Tai Chi, Yoga, water exercises or even walking.
• Pay attention to medications and have their doctor or pharmacist review all the medications prescribed to them. This includes over-the-counter meds or even herbal remedies they may be taking.
• Make sure your loved ones get a yearly eye exam. If corrective lenses are needed, they should be the proper strength. Other vision problems could be related to the onset of cataracts or glaucoma.
• Reduce or eliminate hazards in and around the house by providing better lighting.  Remove clutter and other tripping hazards and properly anchor or move electrical and phone cords.
• Make sure they are careful around children or pets who may get in their way and accidentally trip them or knock them over.
• Install grab bars in the shower and next to the commode.
• If throw rugs are in the house, secure them to the floor or get rid of them completely. Use non-skid mats or rugs in the shower and in front of the tub and kitchen sink.
• When getting out of bed or a chair, they should take a moment to make sure they aren’t dizzy or light-headed before they start walking. If they have mobility issues, encourage them to use a walker or cane, even inside the house. Better safe than sorry.
• They should wear shoes inside the house, not slippers or go barefoot. If they’re going to wear socks but no shoes at home, socks should have tiny grippers on the bottom to help prevent slipping.

There are many more tips available to help someone avoid falling. Contact your local orthopedic association or senior center. The CDC also has many resources for older adults and how to prevent falls. Visit them online at www.cdc.gov/features/olderamericans.

If you or an aging loved one are considering senior care services in Fairfax, VA, call the caring staff at Medical Professionals On Call today. 703-273-8818

• Author
• Recent Posts

Michelle DeFilippis

I graduated with a BS degree and had been selling medical equipment to hospitals, clinics and technicians. More recently, a family member was diagnosed with dementia and we, as a family, realized we were not prepared t care for her. We were thrown into that whirlpool of hospital stays, 24/7 live-in care, skilled care, caring for mom ourselves and finally, now daily home care. This was such a stressful time that I started thinking there had to be other people, other families as overwhelmed and unprepared as we were.

Medical Professionals On Call has such a caring, professional staff who are available to step in with whatever level of care necessary for loved ones and to relieve you of that stress.

Latest posts by Michelle DeFilippis (see all)

• Do Your Parents Face More Challenges When They Live in a Rural Community? - November 6, 2019
• Ways to Ease Arthritis Symptoms in the Elderly - October 24, 2019
• Tips for a Better Life with Fibromyalgia - October 9, 2019