I’m stunned by this statistic, but it’s true, falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among people aged 65 and over. The physical trauma resulting from a fall is certainly enough to kill a senior. But the psychological trauma is nearly as damaging, because once someone has fallen, whether or not they’ve been injured, there is always the fear they will fall again.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, it’s really a vicious cycle. Because often, when someone falls once, they begin to reduce their physical activity for fear of falling again. Trouble is, this can reduce flexibility, disrupt their sense of balance, and lead to increased weakness, which increases the potential risk for another fall. It can be a nightmare for seniors.
Can you do something? Yes! Many of our Home Instead Senior Care clients have avoided being trapped in this cycle of fear by taking decisive action and making a few simple changes to reduce their risk of falling. You can, too.
• First, increase your home’s accessibility and safety. Add grab bars and a raised toilet seat in the bathroom. Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on the bathroom tile; get rid of throw rugs everywhere else. Improve the lighting in your home and stow the clutter as much as possible.
• Watch out for medications with side effects such as drowsiness, or dizziness. Be careful, you may be taking medications, even those sold over the counter, that don’t interact well. Ask your pharmacist for help spot any problems (it’s best to work with one pharmacist so he or she knows all the meds that you take).
• Diminished vision can certainly lead to falls. Have your vision checked regularly and try to get rid of obstacles in your home and outside that could cause a fall.
• Finally, work on your balance a little each day. Try standing on one leg, make sure there’s something in front of you to grab onto like a chair or piece of furniture should you lose your balance. Standing up slowly from a sitting position is good exercise, as well. Also, if your doctor says it’s okay, explore Tai Chi, it’s a wonderful workout for seniors and there are classes everywhere, even on television.
Need more information? Please call us at Home Instead Senior Care at 661-254-8701.