Fall Prevention Plan for the Elderly

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - June 10, 2013 - PRLog -- Caring Compassion Home Health Care has developed an extensive fall prevention plan for the elderly. Here at Caring Compassion we are passionate about elder safety. The number one reason that increases the risk of falls for the elderly is the fear of falling. Fear can stop us from doing the things that we need to do including coming up with a prevention plan. So let go of your fear and follow this simple fall prevention plan

Before coming up with a fall prevention plan for yourself or a loved one it is important to understand why the elderly are at a high risk for falling. The following is a list of reasons that accidental falls occur more in the elderly:

Lack of sleep due to living conditions, health issues, or insomnia
Walking in unfamiliar territory
Walking over uneven terrain, or in a poorly lit area
Walking on slippery floor surfaces such as in the bathroom, or slipping in the kitchen
Using area rugs that are not skid-resistant
Tripping over pets
Inability to navigate around small children and/or toys
Moving too fast or moving suddenly
Distractions
Medications
Poor eyesight
Poor walking gait. Stiff muscles and sore joints impair a smooth walking rhythm.
Poor balance due to the aging process or some other reason

Now that the risk factors have been identified you can start your fall prevention plan.

1. Make an appointment with your doctor

Medication List - Your doctor can be a great resource for identifying which risk factors are specific to your situation. Make sure before you go you have a list of your medications with you. Now of course your doctor will have that same list as well but having your own reference to take notes on will be a helpful tool for your prevention plan. Being honest with your doctor about which medications you take is important. The only way he/she can help you is if they know all the details. There are medications that can put you at a higher risk for falls. The doctor may consider weaning you off of those high risk medications.

Fall History - If you have fallen before you want your doctor to know all about it. Make a list of how many times it has happened over the last 3 months, how did you fall, any injuries obtained (even if it's just a little bruise)

Communication - Making sure that your primary doctor is in contact with your eye doctor, cardiologist, hearing aide specialist, ect The more information your doctor has about changes in your condition can help to make an effective fall prevention plan. Missing information is like having a piece of a puzzle missing.

2. Exercise

Inactivity due to a fear of falling can actually put you at a higher risk of falls. Talk with your doctor about an exercise plan that fits with your lifestyle. Even light exercise can lower your risk of falls

3. Footwear

Changing your choice of footwear can make a big difference. Wearing high heals, flip flops, slip on shoes, or shoes with slick soles can make your balance unsteady. Remember these useful tips for the next time you go out to buy shoes:

• Have your feet measured each time you buy shoes, since foot size can change.
• Buy properly fitting, sturdy shoes with nonskid soles.
• Avoid shoes with extra-thick soles.
• Choose Velcro shoes instead of slip-ons or lace up shoes. Slip-on can easily slip off and laces come untied easily
• If you're a woman who can't find wide enough shoes, try men's shoes.

4. Remove household hazards

Do a safety assessment of your home and identify what could possibly cause an accident in the future. Here are some things to look for when you do your assessment

• Remove boxes, newspapers, electrical cords and phone cords from walkways.
• Move coffee tables, magazine racks and plant stands from high-traffic areas.
• Secure loose rugs with double-faced tape, tacks or a slip-resistant backing -- or remove loose rugs from your home.
• Repair loose, wooden floorboards and carpeting right away.
• Store clothing, dishes, food and other necessities within easy reach.
• Immediately clean spilled liquids, grease or food.
• Use nonskid floor wax.
• Use nonslip mats in your bathtub or shower

5. Proper lighting

Some elderly people have vision problems and it makes it hard to see smaller objects in dim lighting. Here are some suggestions that can help to see those smaller objects when moving around your home.

• Place night lights in your bedroom, bathroom and hallways.
• Place a lamp within reach of your bed for middle-of-the-night needs.
• Make clear paths to light switches that aren't near room entrances.  
• Consider trading traditional switches for glow-in-the-dark or illuminated  switches.
• Turn on the lights before going up or down stairs.
• Store flashlights in easy-to-find places in case of power outages.

6. Using your assisting devices

It can be hard to accept that you now need a walker, cane, or wheel chair to get around but, being stubborn about using you assisting devices can be the difference in being safe and breaking a hip. Knowing how to correctly use these devices are important. Make sure you are clear with the proper usage by reading the directions, calling the makers of the product, asking someone to show you how to use the device. Here is a list of other devices that can help aide in fall prevention

• Hand rails for both sides of stairways
• Nonslip treads for bare-wood steps
• A raised toilet seat or one with armrests
• Grab bars for the shower or tub
• A sturdy plastic seat for the shower or tub -- plus a hand-held shower
nozzle for bathing while sitting down