Elderly Fall Prevention Checklist
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), one out of every four seniors over the age of 65 will experience a fall this year. Seniors should not be forgotten or pushed aside. Many seniors live alone, and this can make it difficult when an accident happens. Help may not be as easily accessible, especially when children and grandchildren do not visit regularly. To that end, an elderly fall prevention checklist can be a very handy resource in preventing accidental slips and falls.
A fall, whether big or small, can have an immense impact on mobility and daily activity. Elderly fall prevention is a major concern for families, doctors, caregivers, and the community. According to the National Council of Aging, every 19 minutes an elder dies from a fall. The statistics can be scary but elderly fall prevention methods can make the likelihood of a fall slim to none. Visit Nashville Dentistry Co for dental home. Where a tradition of excellence meets modern dentistry.
Here is an elderly fall prevention checklist to help get you started
- Be aware of your surroundings- This one sounds obvious but oftentimes the smallest overlook can cause a fall. Whether it be a toy left on the floor, an overturned rug or even a spilled drink, you or a loved one can be in danger.
- Medication- Speaking with your doctor about medication side effects is of the utmost importance. Some medications can cause dizziness or temporary disorientation, which can lead to falls. Knowing these effects and making sure loved ones and caregivers are aware can greatly decrease the chances of a fall.
- Stay Vigilant- Falls do not only happen at home but also when seniors are out and about running errands. It can often be the smallest thing such as not being able to reach a handrail, a distraction or uneven steps. If alone, take your time and ask for help when you need it.
- Regular exercise- Preventative exercise has benefits for seniors aside from fall prevention. Exercise can increase strength, socialization, balance, and stability. Staying active does not require extensive gym exercises. Speaking to your doctor about the best exercise regimen is recommended but seniors most commonly participate in yoga, bicycling or Tai Chi.
- No-Slip Protection- Wearing no-slip shoes can prevent falls at home or at the grocery store. There are other no-slip solutions aside from shoes, such as double-sided tape, and non-slip mats.
Little things make big differences in elderly fall prevention
When seniors fall, the results can be detrimental. There are not only physical repercussions but also mental and emotional. Following these tips and a full checklist of what to modify around your home can greatly decrease the chances of a falling happening.
Needing extra help around the home and in your daily life is nothing to be ashamed of and 24/7 Nursing Care has home placement healthcare services to help you. Whether it be on a temporary basis or long term, the team will work with you and your loved ones to find the best solution for you. Contact us for an in-home evaluation and learn more about our services.
24/7 Nursing Care has home placement healthcare services for your specific needs. Being able to enjoy your day-to-day life and spend quality time with your grandkids is the gift that keeps on giving and 24/7 Nursing Care wants to be part of that beautiful process. We can be reached at 786-518-3622 in Miami or 954-949-1332 in Broward County.
References:
Senior Fall Prevention: Fall Prevention Checklists, Tips & Facts for the Elderly. (2019, January 18). Retrieved from https://www.seniorliving.org/health/fall-prevention/
Preventing Falls. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://assets.aarp.org/external_sites/caregiving/checklists/checklist_preventFalls.html
C, D. C. (n.d.). Check For Safety. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/pdf/STEADI-Brochure-CheckForSafety-508.pdf
Falls Prevention. (2018). Falls Prevention. Retrieved from https://d2mkcg26uvg1cz.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/Falls-Prevention-Fact-Sheet-2018.pdf
