10 Ways to Prevent Falls in the Elderly

Fall prevention for seniors is not only a priority for elders and their families, but also for health care centers.

Implementing strategies to prevent falls among senior citizens can be life-saving, as well as help reduce the financial cost associated with falls in seniors.

Here are 10 ways to effectively prevent senior falls:

1. Ensure safety by providing an adequate 1:3 staff ratio so that your facility is correctly staffed and able to provide the necessary care, monitoring and assistance needed to keep residents safe.

2. Provide regular balance assessments with physical therapists or similar healthcare professionals who specialize in fall prevention in order to identify risks or deficits that could lead to future falls.

Also Read : 5 Amazing Benefits Of Chiropractic Care For Seniors

3. Educate family members and/or caregivers on fall prevention strategies and the importance of reporting any changes in physical or mental wellbeing that may increase the risk of falling.

4. Utilize non-slip floor surfaces and adequate lighting to reduce potential trip hazards.

5. Review medications regularly to ensure they are not causing dizziness or other side effects that increase the risk of falls.

6. Install assistive devices such as grab bars for bathrooms, handrails along stairways, raised toilet seats, and wheelchairs where needed to help provide more stability and safe transfers.

7. Encourage daily exercise as well as participation in activities that improve balance, strength, coordination, and overall mobility skills.

8. Regularly review the resident’s vision and hearing needs to ensure they are able to safely navigate their environment.

9. Provide a safe ratio of care staff to residents (ideally 1:3) in order to provide more individualized attention and support with activities of daily living, transfers, and ambulation.

10. Promote an atmosphere of respect, trust, and care in order to encourage the elderly person’s active involvement in decision making that can help reduce their risk of falls. 

Educate family members about fall prevention strategies so that they may better assist the elderly person with personal safety at home or during visits.

Overall, by taking these steps you can help your loved one remain safe from serious injuries due to falls.