I receive multiple phone calls weekly from people who say their loved one suffered a fall. Once they’ve addressed critical medical and convalescent needs, their primary concerns usually turn to avoiding future falls and how they can get their loved ones to follow new safety rules.
Their concerns are well-founded. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that falls are the most common cause of injury-related deaths among older adults. Even falls that don’t cause significant injury can promote a fear of falling, leading to reducedphysical activity that further weakens muscles and balance.
The risk of a fall is more pronounced in older adults with memory impairments. They may not recognize hazards around them, such as steps or changes in flooring. They often misjudge distances or forget they should be using their walker. They may also become disoriented, causing them to wander into unsafe areas like stairs or cluttered rooms, significantly increasing their fall risk.
I urge families first to mitigate hazards at home, especially trip hazards. Move or remove any clutter, boxes, cables, cords, and any items that might topple if leaned on for support (think plant stands, magazine racks, or lightweight furniture). Look around whilethinking of your loved one moving through the space. Move that coffee table that gets banged up because it’s in the way. Secure those loose rugs with double-sided tape, use a slip-resistant backing, or remove loose rugs entirely.
With a memory impairment, make it as easy as possible for your loved one to be safer. Properly fitted slip-in flat shoes with non-skid soles make them convenient and safer, and they avoid walking in stocking feet, which can lead to slips on smooth surfaces. Install grab bars near toilets and showers and inside the shower to provide sturdy handholds. Enhance shower safety with non-skid shower floor strips and a sturdy bath chair to shower while seated. Keep the home brightly lit, affording the best view of possible hazards, and install night lights to improve nighttime safety. Keep flashlights in easy-to-find places in case of power outages, and make sure batteries remain fresh.
Be sure to involve your medical professionals as well. Review all medications and supplements with your loved one’s physician in light of a fall risk. Antidepressants, sedatives, and antihistamines can affect judgment or make a person tired, increasing the risk of a fall. Other medications, like those to lower blood pressure, may cause dizziness. A doctor may wean your loved one off some medications or recommend taking others at bedtime to minimize fall risk. Also, you should discuss physical activities with the doctor and put a plan in place. Water workouts, tai chi, or simple walking can improve coordination and strength.
Speaking of walks, ditch the cane, which requires more balance than a walker. A good walker is easier for a person with a memory impairment because they use both hands and can push it along.
Nothing can eliminate the risk of a fall, but if we focus on mitigating hazards, providing support that’s convenient, and engaging our medical professionals, we can go a long way toward keeping our loved ones safe and healthy.