Fall Prevention

Safeguarding the home is essential when dealing with an elderly patient or a patient that has a physical handicap; this falls under the term: fall prevention. Falls are the leading cause of injuries and deaths in elderly Americans. Listen to this: roughly 33% of the elderly fall at least once per year, and these falls result in over 2 million visits to the emergency room. Those who are reading this and have a loved one who has experienced a fall know that there are psychological aftershocks that come with falling. It bothers the patient because of the physical harm it did to the body, but not only physical; it changes the way the patient moves around. Think about the first time you slipped on ice and fell in the winter.

Loved ones who fall can become more afraid of falling, and this fear can reduce their lifestyle choices and their ability to exercise correctly. Reduced physical activity can then lead to a vicious cycle in which an older person’s physical condition deteriorates, increasing the risk of more falls and further curtailing the victim’s free mind and lifestyle choices. It’s almost a never-ending circle of events.

One of the most dangerous places in a home is the kitchen and bathroom area. These areas will contain your primary sources of water, which can improve the chances of a fall. With that being said, be sure to use non-slip mats around the bathtub or shower area and even have a bath seat ready if not placed in the tub for the elder to shower. Falling in the shower is as dangerous to a person as slipping and falling in the kitchen, so make sure the kitchen has plenty of walking/turning space.

The more light sources a home has, the better. Make sure that all of the bulbs in the house are energy efficient, make sure that they are brighter than usual as well. What may seem too bright to the caregiver could make or break having an emergency in the home. Make sure the home maximizes natural light. Open the curtains during the day to give the home outside light and use bright lamps in the bedroom area. Always be sure to keep flashlights equipped with fresh batteries and in easily accessible areas in case the power gets knocked out.

Contact Rosewood Home Care to learn more about fall prevention.