Fall Risks
According to the National Safety Council, each year, one in four seniors will report experiencing a Fall Risks, and more than 3.5 million seniors will be treated in an emergency room because of a fall. For seniors, falling can be incredibly high-risk, as they may not recover as quickly from injuries they sustain, and they can sustain more severe injuries. It is important to understand fall risks and what can be done to prevent falls to help keep seniors safe.
What Can Happen After a Fall
The risk for seniors who have fallen is that they may be unable to get up on their own or may have serious injuries as a result. This can lead to hospitalization and long recovery times, and it can significantly reduce their quality of life. It is crucial for family, friends, caregivers, and professionals to take the steps needed to help seniors stay safe by preventing falls and checking in on them so they can get immediate medical attention if they do fall.
Physical Risks for a Fall
There are a number of factors that can increase the potential for a senior to fall while they’re at home or out of the house. This can include weaker muscles as they age, impaired balance, or gait issues. They may be more susceptible to tripping and falling, especially if they have chronic health conditions that impact their mobility or medications that can make them dizzy or drowsy.
Environmental Concerns
At home, seniors may be at Fall Risks because of uneven surfaces like loose rugs or thresholds between rooms. Clutter in the home, as well as poor lighting, can make it more difficult to walk in the home and increase the risk of falling. Outside the home, uneven walkways or anything that blocks the walkway can increase the risk of a fall. Using assistive devices throughout the home can allow them to hold on while they’re walking or standing, reducing the risk of a fall.
Behavioral Risks
A senior’s behavior and habits can increase the risk of a fall and make it more likely they’ll be injured. Those who are more sedentary may be at a higher risk of falling because they aren’t getting the exercise they need. Those who use mobility devices may not know how to use them properly, which can increase the risk of a fall. It’s important for seniors at risk of falling to learn how to properly use mobility devices.
Medical Issues
Seniors who have medical issues may be at a higher Fall Risks of falling. Those with vision problems, for instance, may have a harder time with depth perception or be unable to see potential issues when walking. Cognitive impairments like dementia can also increase the risk of falls, since these conditions can cause confusion. Other medical conditions can lead to fainting and falls, so seniors with any health concerns will want to take steps to prevent a potential fall.
If you or a loved one is at Fall Risks for falling, it is important to take steps to help prevent this from happening. Ensuring safety for seniors can mean moving to a more accessible home, using mobility devices, and more. Talk to the physician about other steps that can be taken to help prevent a fall from occurring and minimize potential concerns if a fall does happen.
