What to Do When an Elderly Loved One Falls: Fall Prevention and Recovery

& Why Home Care Assistance Is Important To Senior Safety

Did you know that falls are the leading cause of injuries in older adults every single year? When surveying adults over the age of 65, on average, 1 in 4 will admit to having a fall in the past year. Over 14 million seniors will suffer from injuries due to a fall annually. These numbers are concerning, but there are fall prevention measures that can be taken to help make sure that your loved one isn’t a statistic. Many families choose to enlist the help of home care assistance after a fall to help with recovery and future fall prevention. Extra supervision offers peace of mind that in the event of a fall, someone would be there to call for help. With aging comes an increased risk of broken bones and serious head injuries as a result of falling due to osteoporosis and hormone deficiencies. If alone, a senior who has fallen could be in serious trouble. 

If someone you love has had a fall, it’s natural to wonder what to do next. Of course, the first step is to ensure they are okay and get medical attention if necessary. Beyond the immediate response to a fall, it is important to pinpoint any potential reasons for the fall and determine how to best prevent falls from happening again. Keep reading to learn what to do after an elderly person falls including steps to take to prevent future accidents. 

Encourage Your Loved One To Be Evaluated By Their Physician

Not all falls will have a medical reason or condition to blame, but it is a good idea to eliminate any possible causes. Since 20% of falls among seniors result in a serious injury, your loved one should be evaluated immediately. Research has found many conditions that can increase the likelihood of falling as a senior, including:

• Vitamin deficiencies: Vitamin deficiencies can not only increase the likelihood of a fall but also contribute to how severe fall injuries may be. In particular, deficiencies in vitamin D, vitamin B12, and calcium have an impact on fall risk and severity. Eating a nutritious diet and taking a daily vitamin can help maintain vitamin levels in the body.
• Weakness of the lower body: Weak muscles in the hips and legs can tire easily and cause balance problems, making seniors more prone to falls. Staying as active as possible is important in maintaining muscle function. 
• Vision problems: Poor depth perception and peripheral function can result in falls if hazards aren’t seen. 
• Medications: Common side effects to many medications that are commonly prescribed to seniors include confusion, dizziness, weakness, and blurred vision – all of which can contribute to a fall. 
• Difficulty maintaining balance: Prior stroke, Parkinson’s disease, inner ear issues, and many other conditions can cause difficulty when balancing. 

It is important to identify any physical conditions that may contribute to an increased fall risk in seniors. Addressing these issues could potentially prevent a serious injury. 

Evaluate Home Safety 

Evaluating home safety for seniors after a fall is crucial. Home safety measures should be discussed and evaluated often as mobility restrictions and environmental factors can change over time. Here are a few important areas to cover when addressing home safety for the elderly and fall prevention. 

• General considerations: Placing extra focus on lighting, unnecessary clutter, and problematic floor coverings such as loose or frayed rugs while walking through the home, identify any areas that may need improvement. Something as simple as a nightlight, an added shelf for organization, or a new rug could prevent an accident. 
• Bathroom safety: According to the National Institute on Aging, a shocking 80% of senior falls happen in the bathroom. Slippery floors and surfaces can be a big hazard for seniors with reduced mobility or issues with balancing. Consider grab bars, non-slip mats, and raised toilet seats to improve the safety and function of your senior loved one’s bathroom. 
• Bedroom safety: As seniors age, furniture that once worked for them may not be ideal any longer. For example, a bed that is too low or too high may present fall hazards. Additionally, furniture should be moved out of a clear pathway for easy maneuvering. 
• Kitchen and living area safety: Similar to a bathroom, kitchens and laundry rooms tend to have slippery floors occasionally so non-slip mats should be present in front of sinks, dishwashers, and washing machines. Ensure that all chairs in the living and dining areas have armrests to make getting up and down easier. 

Additional Considerations

When all medical and home safety considerations have been thoroughly assessed, it may be wise to consider additional precautions such as mobility aids, physical therapy, and home care assistance if these are not already utilized. Additionally, personal emergency response systems (PERS) can be life-saving in the event of an accident when a senior is alone with no one to call or help. These devices can contact emergency services with the click of a button and can be worn around the wrist or neck to remain at the ready in the event of an emergency. 

How We Can Help

No senior should be alone in the event of a scary emergency like a serious fall. When surveyed, approximately 80% of seniors report feeling safer and living a life of better quality with home care assistance. Home care assistance provides invaluable peace of mind to seniors and their families. If you are searching for home care assistance in the Bay Area, look no further than Serving Seniors Care. Our mission is to serve seniors, whatever level of care they may require. Our services range from companion care and supervision with minimal intrusion on your loved one’s daily life if that’s what they prefer – to extensive hands-on care including household services and personal care. Contact Serving Seniors today to discuss your loved one’s needs and preferences. Our team will match your loved one with a care provider(s) that can accommodate any needs and/or preferences. 

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