As our loved ones age, the risk of falls and trips becomes a significant concern. Falls are the leading cause of injury hospitalisations (43%) and deaths (42%) among older Australians, with severe implications for their health and independence. In this blog, Home Care Assistance will discuss why preventing falls in elderly family members is crucial, the factors contributing to falls, and provide practical tips to help safeguard them in your homes.
Who is at Risk?
Falls are hazardous for older adults, especially those 65 and over. As one ages, the likelihood of falls and trips increases due to various physical changes, such as weaker muscles, poorer eyesight, and slower reaction times. Unfortunately, the home, which should be a place of safety, often becomes the most common setting for these incidents.
What Are the Consequences?
The consequences of falls can be devastating. Over half of the injury hospitalisations from falls involve fractures, and in 2021–22, falls resulted in 233,000 hospitalisations in Australia alone. Furthermore, in 2020–21, falls led to 5,800 deaths. These statistics highlight the urgent need to address fall risks within our homes.
How Can You Prevent Falls?
Maintain Physical Activity: Encourage your elderly family members to stay active. Regular exercise helps strengthen muscles and improve balance, reducing the risk of falls. You or a loved one can get support from our Home Care Assistance Care Professionals to undertake a safe exercise routine. It’s essential to consult a doctor before starting an exercise program if you are not already active.
Regular Health Check-Ups: Ensure they have regular eye and ear exams and use prescribed glasses or hearing aids to maintain awareness of their surroundings.
Home Safety Measures: To prevent accidents, remove trip hazards, install handrails in bathrooms, and use non-slip mats. The easier it is to move around the house, the less likely falls will happen.
Proper Footwear: Encourage them to wear well-fitting shoes with good grip, even indoors. This provides stability that can help prevent falls.
Adequate Lighting: Use night lights in hallways and bathrooms to prevent falls during nighttime trips. You can even get motion lights that turn on as the person moves around to ensure they can always see where they are going.
Medication Management: Review their medications with a healthcare professional to manage side effects that might contribute to dizziness or balance issues. It is also essential that any healthcare professional knows all medications your loved one takes – including prescription and over-the-counter medications. This way, they can look for potential interactions between medications.
Use of Mobility Aids: If balance is an issue, consider using canes or walkers. Having these ready to go makes it easier to use them. At first, they might just use them on ‘bad’ days, or they might use them all the time. It is essential that the aid is appropriate for their needs and that they feel comfortable using it.
Slow Movements: Remind them to get up slowly from sitting or lying down to avoid dizziness. It is much faster to go slowly than to try and move quickly and have a fall. Taking the time to ensure they feel steady and on their feet when getting up helps avoid falls.
Healthy Diet and Hydration: A nutritious diet and adequate hydration can prevent weakness and dizziness that may lead to falls. Having a drink bottle filled with water that is easy to reach can make hydration easier. The first step to healthy eating is having food available. If shopping is difficult, setting up a home delivery of groceries for your loved one might be worthwhile. If preparing meals is becoming difficult for your loved one, you may consider stocking their freezer with healthy meals that are easily heated up or looking at home care to support meal preparation. Top tip – freeze meals in single portions – this makes them easier to heat up.
Professional Care: Consider home care services to provide additional support and ensure a safe living environment. The services can be tailored to your loved one’s needs and adapted over time as needed. It is essential to know that help is available and that you do not need to take it upon yourself to provide all the care for your loved one.
Where and When Should You Take Action?
The best time to take action is now. Fall prevention measures should be implemented soon to protect your elderly family members before a fall occurs. The home should be the first place you assess, as it’s where most falls happen.
Preventing falls in elderly family members is not just about avoiding injuries; it’s about preserving their independence and quality of life. By implementing these tips, you can help safeguard your loved ones from the dangers of trips and falls. If you need more assistance, consider contacting our Home Care Assistance professionals, who can provide tailored care and support.
Support at home from a specialist provider, such as Home Care Assistance SE Melbourne, can bring enormous benefit and comfort to your quality of life while living independently at home. Home Care Assistance has viable solutions for independent living.
