Fall Prevention Training: My Professional Experience Helping Seniors Stay Safe at Home
As a case manager with seven years of experience in in-home aged care, I’ve seen firsthand the emotional turmoil and practical challenges families face after a loved one falls.
In this post, I will address those concerns and provide information that will get you started in fall prevention training, drawing on my professional experience and insights from trusted sources like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
You will find useful information that may assist you in either addressing issues that may have led to a fall, and information on how to avoid a fall altogether; addressing common hazards found around the home of your elderly loved one.
The Reality of Falls in Seniors
Falls are common
1 in 4 seniors fall each year
The risk of falling increases with age
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Falls are serious
Can lead to fractures, concussion, and even hospitalisation
Falls impact well-being
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Fear of falling can lead to social isolation and decreased independence.
Table of Contents
The Statistics of falls in the United States.
Falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults.
Studies show that for people aged 65 and older, falls account for approximately 60 percent of all injury-related emergency department visits and over 50 percent of injury-related deaths annually.
Taking Action After a Fall: A Guide for Concerned Carers
A fall can be a scary event, both for your loved one and for you as their caregiver.
If they’ve had a fall already you need to start the elderly home safe checklist with medical support first.
Here’s what you can do to take action and improve their safety and well-being:
1. Don’t Dismiss the Fall, No Matter How Minor:
Even if your loved one seems uninjured, a fall can be a sign of underlying health issues that could increase their risk of future falls.
Here’s why a medical evaluation is crucial:
- Undetected injuries: Sometimes, internal injuries like hairline fractures or sprains might not be immediately apparent. A doctor’s examination can identify these and ensure proper treatment.
- Underlying medical conditions: A fall could be a sign of conditions like dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, low blood pressure, or even medication side effects. A doctor can assess these and make necessary adjustments to medications or treatment plans.
- Vision or hearing problems: Uncorrected vision or hearing loss can contribute to falls. A doctor can recommend an eye exam or hearing test to address any concerns.
2. Identify Fall Risks: Partnering with the Doctor
During the doctor’s visit, ask specific questions to understand potential fall risks for your loved one.
Here are some key areas to discuss:
- Medications: Review all medications your loved one takes, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Some medications can cause dizziness or drowsiness, increasing fall risk. Ask the doctor if any medications could be contributing and discuss alternative options if necessary.
- Strength and Balance: Discuss your loved one’s mobility and balance. The doctor may recommend a physical therapist to assess their strength and flexibility and create a safe exercise program to improve these areas.
- Vision and Hearing: Share any concerns you have about your loved one’s vision or hearing. The doctor can order tests and recommend corrective measures like eyeglasses, hearing aids, or brighter lighting at home.
3. Create a Safer Home Environment: Be Proactive
Here are some specific actions you can take to prevent falls in your loved one’s home:
Elderly Home Safety Checklist – Fall Prevention Training:
- Declutter walkways: This includes loose rugs, electrical cords, shoes left out, or any objects that could cause tripping. Encourage a clear pathway throughout the house, especially in high-traffic areas.
- Improve lighting: Ensure hallways, bathrooms, bedrooms, and stairwells are well-lit, especially at night. Install brighter bulbs or consider nightlights for low-light areas. Consider automatic light switches that activate with motion to avoid navigating dark spaces.
- Install grab bars: These are essential safety features in bathrooms near the toilet and shower, as well as near stairways. Consider grab bars next to the bed for assistance when getting in and out.
- Increase contrast: Improve visual cues by using contrasting colors for flooring and walls, especially near stairs. Brightly colored tape around the edge of steps can also help with visibility.
- Secure loose carpets: Use double-sided carpet tape or non-slip pads to secure throw rugs and prevent them from becoming tripping hazards.
- Evaluate furniture: Ensure furniture is sturdy and the right height for your loved one to sit and stand easily. Consider removing furniture with sharp corners or installing corner protectors.
- Bathroom safety: Install a shower chair or bath bench with a grab bar. Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and shower.
Remember, creating a safe environment is an ongoing process. Regularly assess your loved one’s needs and make adjustments as needed. By working together with the doctor and being proactive about safety measures, you can significantly reduce their fall risk and give you both peace of mind. Check out our latest post on support aids and home modifications that can promote safety
Elderly Home Safety Checklist
If you want more support in how to look for potential safety issues in the home, then sign up to enkel.life and we’ll send you an elderly home safety checklist to complete your own home safety assessment.
If you find that you are still not sure on what might be a hazard or cause issues to safety, you can enlist an Occupational Therapist (OT). An OT undertakes a home assessment and will provide you with recommendations of ways to improve safety in the home. See post on OT Assessment for Elderly for more information.
Falls in the Bathroom
As mentioned above, studies show that for people aged 65 and older, falls account for approximately 60 percent of all injury-related emergency department visits and over 50 percent of injury-related deaths annually.
And what is especially concerning is that up to 80 percent of falls in the home occur in the bathroom.
These fall-related injuries can range from minor scrapes and bruises to broken bones, head injury and spinal cord injury.
The risks
- Transfers: Many falls happen when seniors get in and out of the tub or shower, or when using the toilet.
- Unstable Support: If a senior has balance or mobility problems, they might try using unsteady objects for support, like the sink, shower bar, hamper, and risk falling.
- Slippery Surfaces: Even for simple tasks like handwashing, slick tile floors and small rugs can be a tripping hazard and lead to falls.
Make Bathroom Safety a Priority for Your Loved One
The best way to prevent falls and promote independence is with a few simple bathroom modifications:
- Install Grab Bars: Secure grab bars near the shower, bathtub, and toilet to provide support during transfers.
- Improve Floor Traction: Replace bath mats with non-slip mats or decals inside the shower/tub and outside. Use non-slip rugs in front of the toilet and sink for added stability.
- Shower Seating: Equip the shower with a chair featuring a non-slip seat and rubber-tipped legs for safe showering while seated.
- Transfer Bench: For those needing help exiting the tub, a transfer bench bridges the gap, allowing for a safer exit.
- Raised Toilet Seat: A raised toilet seat (3-4 inches) reduces the effort required to stand and sit, making bathroom use easier.
- Accessibility Matters: Place toiletries on shelves at eye level, eliminating the need for precarious reaching or bending.
- Clean Regularly: Regularly scrub tubs, showers, grab bars, and mats to remove slippery soap scum and residue.
- Light Up the Way: Ensure adequate lighting with nightlights or motion-sensor lights for safe nighttime bathroom visits. Consider additional nightlights in hallways leading to the bathroom.
- Consider Home Healthcare: Home health professionals can assist in implementing safety features, monitor bathroom use, and offer additional personal care support.
By taking these steps, you can create a safer bathroom environment that promotes independence and reduces the risk of falls for your loved one. Also see our post on the best supports aids for the bathroom.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of a loved one after a fall can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone.
Remember, falls are a serious concern, but with the right approach, the risk of falls can be significantly reduced.
By working together with your loved one’s doctor, and allied health support, you can create a safe home environment, and prioritizing bathroom safety, you can promote their independence and give you both peace of mind.
This guide is just a starting point. There are many resources available to help you on this journey, like accessing our elderly Home Safety Checklist. Don’t hesitate to reach out to professionals like occupational therapists or home healthcare providers for further guidance.
FAQ
My loved one seems fine after a fall, do they still need to see a doctor?
Even if your loved one seems uninjured, a fall can be a sign of underlying health issues. A doctor’s evaluation can identify these and prevent future falls. Don’t dismiss any fall, no matter how minor.
What are some specific ways to make my loved one’s home safer?
Here are some key areas to focus on:
Declutter walkways: Remove tripping hazards like loose rugs, electrical cords, or shoes.
Improve lighting: Ensure proper lighting in hallways, bathrooms, bedrooms, and stairwells. Consider nightlights and motion-sensor lights.
Install grab bars: These are essential in bathrooms and near stairs to provide support.
Increase contrast: Use contrasting colors for flooring and walls, especially near stairs.
Secure carpets: Use double-sided tape or non-slip pads to prevent throw rugs from becoming tripping hazards.
Evaluate furniture: Ensure furniture is sturdy and the right height for easy sitting and standing. Consider removing furniture with sharp corners or installing corner protectors.
Bathroom safety: Install a shower chair, grab bars, and non-slip mats.
Where can I find a more detailed checklist for home safety assessment?
Sign up for the free elderly home safety checklist offered at above
What other resources are available to help me care for my loved one?
Consider reaching out to occupational therapists, home healthcare providers, or senior centers for additional support and resources.