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It’s a fact of life: as we age, our risk of falling increases. Injuries from falls are the leading cause of death for people over the age of 65, and account for more than 95% of all hip fractures in seniors. The good news is that there are many things we can do to prevent elderly falls from happening in the first place. In this post, we will explore some tips regarding how to prevent elderly falls, and implementing these guidelines could save your life or the life of someone you love!

Causes and Risk Factors for fall:

There are many different factors that can contribute to falls in the elderly population. The following are some of the most prevalent causes and risk factors:

• Poor vision or vision problems: This is one of the most common causes of falls, as seniors may not be able to see obstacles in their path clearly. It’s important to get regular eye exams and to make sure that your glasses or contact lenses prescription is up-to-date. Other causes and risk factors include:
• Muscle weakness: This can lead to a loss of balance and stability, making falls more likely. Regular exercise can help to maintain muscle strength as we age.
• Medications: Some medications can cause dizziness or drowsiness, which can lead to falls. Make sure to talk to your doctor about any potential side effects of your medications.
• Poor lighting: Poorly lit rooms and hallways can make it more difficult to see obstacles, leading to falls. Be sure to keep your home well-lit, especially in areas where you walk frequently.
• Loose rugs: Rugs that are not securely fastened to the floor can cause trips and falls. Make sure all of your rugs are properly secured or consider removing them altogether.

These are just a few of the many causes and risk factors for falls in seniors. By being aware of these dangers, we can take steps to prevent falls from happening.

Now that we know some of the causes and risk factors for falls, let’s explore how to prevent elderly falls. Here are a few tips:-

Exercise regularly

As mentioned before, exercise can help to maintain muscle strength and improve balance. Tai chi is a particularly good form of exercise for fall prevention, as it combines elements of both strength and balance training.

Use assistive devices

Canes, walkers, and other assistive devices can help to improve balance and stability. If you are at risk for falls, talk to your doctor about whether an assistive device would be right for you.

Review your medications

As we age, our bodies metabolize medications differently than when we were younger. This can cause side effects such as dizziness or drowsiness, which can lead to falls. Be sure to talk to your doctor about any potential side effects of your medications.

Make your home safe

It’s crucial to keep safety in mind while cleaning up clutter. Make sure there aren’t any dangerous trip hazards around the house, such as electrical cables or other objects that might set off a fire if knocked down by an animal! Check for any possible tripping hazards, such as unsecured carpets or hazardous lighting. Repair or remove any potential dangers immediately.

Handrails and grab bars should be installed

Grab bars and handrails can provide support and stability, making falls less likely. If you are at risk for falls, talk to your doctor about installing grab bars or handrails in your home.

Wear clothing that fits snugly

Loose clothing can get caught on furniture or other objects, leading to a fall. Be sure to wear well-fitting clothes that are not too loose or flowy.

Ensure proper light

Proper lighting is critical for fall prevention. Keep your home well-lighted, especially in areas where you or an elderly loved one travel frequently.

Wear non-slippy shoes

Wearing shoes with good traction can help to prevent falls. Be sure to avoid shoes with smooth soles or high heels. For further information, see one of our articles on non-slip socks for elderly.

Take your time when you move

Falls are more likely to happen when we are in a hurry. Be sure to take your time and move carefully to avoid falls.

Get enough restful sleep

The human body needs sleep to function properly. Without enough restful nights, you may find yourself feeling fatigued during the day and unable to take care of all your other responsibilities as well- which could lead to an accident or something worse! So, be sure to get enough restful sleep every night to avoid fatigue during the day.

Limit your alcohol intake

Alcohol causes dizziness and impairs your judgment, increasing the risk for falls. So if you drink alcohol make sure that it is only in moderation to avoid any negative consequences like falling down or bumping into things while trying very hard not too!

Get up slowly and stand up straight

To get up, first wiggle your toes and bring your hands in front of you. Then, slowly stand up. If you stand up too quickly, you might feel dizzy and end up falling. Make sure to steady yourself before walking.

These are just a few tips to prevent elderly falls. By taking these precautions, we can greatly reduce our risk of falling. Falls are a serious matter, especially for seniors, but with a little bit of knowledge and effort, they are entirely preventable. I hope this post has been informative and helpful in keeping you or your loved ones safe from falls!

What other tips do you have regarding how to prevent elderly falls? Share your thoughts in the comments below! If you found this post helpful, be sure to check out our other post on Bed rails for seniors. Thanks for reading!

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