Know the Facts about Falls
With the winter weather approaching us, it is important now more than ever to take care of our seniors. According to the CDC, millions of older people aged 65 and older fall. Statistics have shown that one out of four people fall each year and one out of five falls causes serious injuries such as broken bones and head injuries. As caregivers we can do our part to help protect our seniors.
Risk Factors for Falls
Accidents happen but when it comes to falls in seniors, there are usually underlying risk factors that cause falls in seniors. Here are some of the risk factors below:
- Poor Vision
- Underlying Health Conditions
- Medication Side Effects
- Cluttered Homes
Preventative Measures for Falls
As a caregiver it is important to monitor how our seniors move around their home to notice any red flags that can be addressed to help prevent future falls. Follow some of these tips below to help prevent falls:
- Get Eyes Checked Regularly
- Keep Pathways and Floors Cleared
- Promote Physical Activity
- Take More Vitamin D
- Monitor Medications and Encourage Refills
- Use Assisted Devices
- Use Caution on Wet or Icy Surfaces
- Recommend Better Footwear
- Report All Falls to Doctor
Safety First!
Always practice safety first to help prevent falls. We are thankful for our caregivers for being there for our seniors. We hope you can utilize these preventative measures and use them to help keep our seniors safe this season. Remember you can always reach out to us if you need any assistance. Wishing you all well and safety always!
Sources:
NIH- https://bit.ly/3qqXZhV
