Preventing Falls and Why it’s So Important

Part of aging is recognizing that when it comes to falls, we may not get up like we used to. We have less muscle mass, so we aren’t as strong. Our proprioceptors, the neurons in our muscles, tendons and ligaments that help us stay balanced, don’t work as well.  We may take medications that make us drowsy, dizzy or lightheaded when we stand up too quickly.

These biological changes mean we are more susceptible to falls. But there are ways to safeguard your home to reduce the likelihood of taking a tumble. Here are some safety precautions I strongly recommend implementing to reduce the risk of falling:

• Grab bars in the bathroom and shower
• Rails for stairs/steps
• Raised toilet seat
• Shower chair
• Handheld shower head
• Textured floor in the bathtub/shower (use stickers as alternative)
• Secure or remove all throw rugs
• Maintain proper hydration to avoid becoming lightheaded
• Maintain proper nutrition to avoid becoming disoriented
• Keep the home brightly lit, particularly hallways and stairways
• Remove clutter
• Monitor medication side effects/interactions and discuss with your doctor alternatives that don’t cause drowsiness, lightheadedness, disorientation, or confusion

The reason preventing a fall is so important is that the initial fall can snowball into more serious issues and conditions such as:

• Chronic pain, which reduces mobility and flexibility, leading to becoming deconditioned
• Chronic inflammation which can contribute to other serious medical conditions
• Neuropathy, loss of feeling or sensation, which can affect balance
• The need for help at home, which can create unwanted dependencies
• The possibility of an out-of-home placement, such as in an nursing facility
• Increased risk of UTIs due to lack of mobility
• Limitations to your social life due to accessibility concerns
• Depression and/or anxiety arising from any of the above

Clearly, this is not an all-inclusive list; however, following up on the tips and recommendations mentioned will allow you to continue to live your lives to the fullest. Taking precautions now is the best way to reduce your risk of a fall and increase the likelihood of living your best lives.

For more information and to access more blogs and videos by Dr. Macie P. Smith, visit www.synergyhomecare.com/resources.

Dr. Macie P. Smith, a trailblazing force in memory care, is a licensed gerontology social worker who is focused on helping families support their aging loved ones through long-term care. Specifically, Dr. Smith educates caregivers on how to care for seniors with dementia. She is an advocate for specialized care and assists others in finding a way to provide a better quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia. Dr. Smith has dedicated over 24 years of her life working in gerontology and assisting families in finding personalized solutions for dementia care.