Fall Prevention: Keeping Older Adults Safe and Independent

All adults aged 65 and over are at risk for a fall. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 14 million older adults fall annually in the U.S. Fall prevention in older adults is a critical public health concern, as falls are the leading cause of injury among seniors.

For older adults, falls can be serious—even deadly. Older adults have the highest risk of serious injury arising from a fall—a risk that increases with age. Seniors who fall can suffer severe injuries, such as head trauma, which have negative effects on independence and quality of life. Certain health conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and thyroid issues can affect balance and make it more likely for an older adult to experience a fall. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are a major fall risk factor, with fall rates significantly higher for senior adults living with dementia compared to those without.

Caregivers, too, will feel the aftermath of a fall. Caregivers, who dedicate themselves to the well-being and safety of the person they care for, can feel a range of emotions when the person in their care suffers a fall. Falls can wear on a caregiver’s physical and mental health, adding stress that can contribute to burnout.

Know the Stats on Older Adult Falls

Reduce your chance of falling or help a loved one prevent falls. Get the facts about older adult falls:

Let’s look at a 2014 study that reviewed the outcomes of 1,200 falls reported by 328 participants. The study found:

• 74% of falls occurred indoors while 26 percent of falls took place outside
• When compared to other rooms in the home, falls in the bathroom were the most likely to cause serious injury
• One-third of falls were the result of tripping or slipping.

A 2020 analysis added to our understanding of falls:

• Most falls resulting in visits to the emergency department (ED) occurred in the home; the bathroom, bedroom, and stairs were identified as the most common locations of falls
• More falls occurred in the bedroom for people 85 and older compared to adults ages 65-84, indicating the risk of having a fall goes up with age
• A high percentage of ED visits for adults ages 65–74 years old resulted from falls on the stairs.

According to the CDC:

• Each year, 3 million senior adults are treated for fall injuries in the ED
• In 2019, 83% of hip fracture deaths and 88 percent of hospitalizations for hip fractures were caused by falls
• Falls are the most common reason of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in older adults

Practical Fall Prevention Tips at Home

While injuries and deaths from falls continue to rise among seniors, falls do not need to be an inevitable part of the aging process. The right lifestyle changes can help prevent falls. Learning your risk for falling is one such preventive measure. Join True Care as we push for elderly fall prevention.

There are many ways to prevent falls in older adults, including:

Maintain a Clean and Tidy Living Space

Cluttered rooms and rugs that bunch up can make falls more likely. Living rooms, bedrooms, and spaces where you spend much of your time can collect clutter and create “problem areas.” Don’t let your cozy room become a pitfall. Here’s what you can do to make these spaces safer:

• Removing rugs and mats reduces the risk of falling. This eliminates unnecessary edges to trip on.
• Unplug cords in walking areas. Cords and loose wires create a significant fall hazard. It’s better to run extension cords along walls and out of walking areas.
• Keep clutter out of high-traffic areas. Clutter in one’s surroundings, such as overloaded shelves, boxes, and too much furniture, can make it easier to trip. A clutter-free environment reduces the chances of tripping and makes it easier to navigate your home.
• Place frequently used items like TV remotes, telephones, and walkers in easy-to-reach locations.
• Ensure the height of your sofa and chairs allows you to get up and down easily. Your feet should be able to touch the floor, and your hips shouldn’t be below your knees.

Take Bathroom Safety to the Next Level

The bathroom has been called ‘the most dangerous room in the home.’ The bathroom is the most common place for falls because it contains many wet and slippery surfaces. Water can easily find its way into many spots, including tiles. Stepping out of the shower carries especially high risks. Bathroom fall prevention comes down to making sure your bathroom is equipped with features that provide stability and lower the risk of slipping:

• Deal with slippery surfaces. Water, soap, and other fluids can make walking surfaces slippery. Pay attention to where you step and clean all wet areas immediately.
• Avoid late-night falls with a nightlight.
• By nature, bathtubs and showers are prone to getting wet. Be especially careful when entering and exiting the tub or shower. 
• Shower seats or benches help prevent falls and make a much safer bathing experience.
• Do not push or pull-on towel racks. People often think of towel racks as a grab bar, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. These bathroom fixtures are non-weight-bearing and not designed to hold your weight. Bathroom grab bars and rails are a safe alternative.

Other Steps to Fall-Proof Your Home

Think about other rooms in your home. You might also need to consider lighting when reducing the risk of falls.

• See the light. People have poorer balance in low-light situations. Brighter lights help you see well and can help prevent falls.
• Never use a chair to reach things. Like towel racks, chairs are not equipped to withstand weight. Try using a reach stick or stepping stool, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.
• Keep a flashlight near your bed at night.

Home attendants are an excellent option for preventing falls. They are trained professionals who help people with daily activities at home. Caregivers create a safer living space by assisting with movement and removing hazards, reducing the risk of home falls.

How to Get a Home Attendant in NYC?

You can take the following steps to obtain a home attendant in NYC:

• Check eligibility for Medicaid or other assistance programs
• Reach out to a licensed home care agency that offers home attendant services
• Schedule an assessment where a professional visits your home to evaluate your needs
• Once approved, you are matched with a suitable attendant based on your specific needs.

In Closing

It’s normal to feel anxious about falling. Taking precautions and changing your home environment can reduce your risk of falling. With these important safety tips, you'll create a safe and more comfortable home.

Do you need help with everyday tasks? Learn how our home care services can help you.

Source:
Moreland BL, Kakara R, Haddad YK, Shakya I, Bergen G. A Descriptive Analysis of Location of Older Adult Falls That Resulted in Emergency Department Visits in the United States, 2015. Am J Lifestyle Med. 2020 Aug 7;15(6):590-597. doi: 10.1177/1559827620942187. PMID: 34916877; PMCID: PMC8669898.