Water-soaked bathtubs and hidden patches of black ice may be the go-to suspects when it comes to senior falls, but recent research published in “The Lancet,” tells a different story about tumbles in long-term care communities.
Scientists examined video clips of hundreds of aging adults staying in long-term care and found some interesting patterns:
- The number one cause of senior stumbles? Loss of balance. 41 percent of falls occurred when a movement unexpectedly shifted a senior’s center of gravity, causing them to lose their stability and topple over.
- Trips and stumbles accounted for 21 percent of tumbles. While slips (i.e. in the bathtub) only caused 3 percent of senior spills.
- Most falls happened when a senior was doing one of three activities: walking forward (24 percent), standing (13 percent) or sitting (12 percent).
Caregivers can help prevent falls
Falling poses a significant threat to a senior’s health.
Among the aging population, falls are the primary cause of hospitalization and death from an injury. About one out of every three elders takes a tumble each year.
There are some steps you can take to keep your loved one steady on their feet:
- Encourage physical activity: According to the National Institutes of Health, muscle weakness and inflexibility are two key factors that can increase an elder’s risk of falling. Exercise programs that focus on increasing a loved one’s strength, endurance and flexibility can cut their chances of experiencing a serious stumble.
- Get their medications checked: Certain medications (or medication combinations) can make a senior more prone to feelings of dizziness or disorientation. If you feel your loved one’s prescriptions are upping their odds for a fall, check-in with their doctor to see what can be done.
- Remove obstacles: Whenever possible, make sure to clear a path for your loved one by removing tripping hazards such as area rugs, low-lying furniture and loose electrical cords.
Contact Pure Home Care Services at (586) 293-2457 today! If you live in Farmington Hills or the surrounding area, we can help you care for your loved ones.