Fall Prevention for Seniors in Assisted Living
Falls are an increasingly common possibility for people as they get older, and can put people at risk of serious injury. According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of injury for adults over the age of 65. In fact, it is estimated that an older adult in the U.S. experiences a fallevery second of every day.
While many people consider falls to be an inevitable part of aging, that doesn’t have to be the case. The right care and prevention strategies can help older adults live safe and healthy lives.
Why Fall Prevention Is Important
Over 3 million adults are taken to the emergency department for treatment following a fall every year. Additionally,over 95% of hip fractures—a common injury in the elderly—are the result of a fall.
Falls can seriously impact thequality of life of older adults, sometimes forcing them to sacrifice their independence and pain-free lifestyle. As the body ages, it loses the ability to heal and recover easily. An injury from a fall that can heal in months for a young person can take a significantly longer time for an older person and potentially permanently damage their mobility. This doesn’t just affect a person physically, but emotionally and mentally as well.
Why Do Elderly People Fall?
Several factors contribute to the increased risk of falls faced by seniors. As adults age, they are likely to develop at least one of the following risk factors.
1. Decreased Strength and Coordination
Many elders fear or avoid physical activity because they are afraid of increasing their chances of a fall, but this avoidance unfortunately further exacerbates fall risk. A decline in physical fitness is a normal part of aging, since people naturally become less active as they become older. However, failing to engage in any physical activity at all, including mild exercise like walking or stretching, can have a lot of consequences—reduced muscle mass (sarcopenia), lower bone density, poor balance and coordination, and decreasedrange of motion.
All of these don’t just increase the chances of experiencing a fall, they also increase the chances of incurring a more serious injury and can impede the recovery process.
2. Vision Impairment
Vision impairment is one of the most common reasons for falls. Developingcataracts or other degenerative eye diseases can make it difficult for people to safely perceive their surroundings and detect fall hazards. Losing vision in one or both eyes can be extremely disorienting, so it’s crucial that older adults get regular eye exams and take necessary precautions.
3. Chronic Diseases
There are several conditions that affect people as they age, such asarthritis,Alzheimer’s disease, andParkinson’s disease. These diseases affect balance, coordination, muscle strength, joint function, andcognitive ability, which affect a person’s ability to prevent and recover from falls.
4. Surgical Effects
Joint replacement surgeries are common in older adults, and can leave them feeling weak and in pain during the recovery process. They may also experience an interim loss in mobility during this time. While the recovery period is temporary, it’s important for adults to be extra careful with their rehabilitation during this time to ensure they don’t experience any lasting problems.
5. Medication
Older adults are commonly on several medications—for chronic conditions—as they recover from surgery or to manage heart problems, diabetes, or strokes.Nearly 40% of adults over 65 years of age take at least five prescription drugs, but many of these medications can haveside effects, most noticeably drowsiness, irritability, or low blood pressure. All these factors can increase the risk of a fall.
6. Behavioral Factors
Behavioral factors refer to the unique aspects of a person’s behavior and lifestyle. The activities they engage in, their attitude towards safety, the level of daily physical exertion, and their current health condition all impact their risk of falling.
7. Environmental Hazards
For many seniors, their immediate environment might not have been fall-proofed as well as it should be, resulting in unsafe living conditions. Environmental hazards include poor lighting, clutter, inappropriate footwear, loose wires, slick floors, a lack of safety equipment around the area, and more.
Where Do Elderly People Fall Most Frequently?
The majority of falls happen in and around the homes of the elderly. A senior’s home may have been built and decorated with love and care, but that might not reflect in terms of how safe it is so they canage in place.
Bathrooms, kitchens, and staircases provide a high risk of falls, due to the slippery surfaces, poor lighting, and more.
Ways to Minimize Fall Risk
Taking precautionary measures to make a senior’s immediate environment as safe as possible can help minimize their risk of falling. Some of these measures include:
● Ensuring their home is well lit.
● Wearing non-skid, low-heeled shoes.
● Incorporating grab bars and handrails in the bathroom, staircase, and wherever necessary.
● Fastening rugs or carpets to the floor.
● Keeping electrical cords away from pathways.
Apart from keeping the environment as safe as possible, taking steps to take care of yourself can also help minimize the risk of falls. These include:
● Keeping track of vision and hearing changes, dizziness, or confusion.
● Balance and gait training.
● Exercise programs to improve muscle strength and joint flexibility.
● Correcting vitamin deficiencies, like a Vitamin D deficiency.
● Learn about the potential side effects of medication.
● Make sure toget enough sleep.
● Reduce alcohol consumption.
● Avoid climbing on stools and stepladders.
For families and loved ones of seniors, it can be helpful to identify the specific risks they may face, and identify which fall prevention strategies are most necessary. Additionally, it’s important to keep track of any changes in an older adult’s physical or mental condition.
How Brookfield Assisted Living Can Help
While there are ways to reduce fall risk, it can be difficult to make all the changes necessary to meet the health and safety needs of older adults. Fortunately, senior living communities likeBrookfield Assisted Living and Memory Care are built to address these exact needs.
Individualized Care Plan
We believe in superior service for all our residents, and that comes from creating a personalized care plan tailored to their individual needs. The individualized care plan addresses the needs and wants of each resident, from quality caregiving to a variety of enrichment opportunities. And as the needs of our residents change, so will their care.
Accessible Showers
Our private apartments come equipped with accessible bathrooms, with private handicap accessible showers, including a shower seat. We also offer bathing assistance when necessary.
24/7 Nursing Care
Our fundamental principles focus on emphasizing love, compassion, and autonomy. We believe in the importance of creating a safe and secure environment for our residents, without them having to give up on fun or privacy. Our skilled and compassionate team of caregivers will be available 24/7 to support you whenever necessary, so you can enjoy your time with us without fear.
Handicap Accessibility
Our facilities strive to promote a sense of independence within a nurturing community environment. While we provide a loving family atmosphere, we also ensure that each individual has the space, autonomy, and opportunity to engage with whatever activities they can by ensuring wheelchair and handicap accessibility across the community.
Mental and Physical Stimulation
The individualized care plans at Brookfield are specifically designed by the Activity Director to promote mental and physical care and enrichment for every resident. These activities are offered in a large group capacity, a small group setting, or one-on-one situation, depending on their preferences. Additionally, we also provide full access to cable TV with a large screen TV room, high-speed internet, a therapeutic spa bath, a beauty and barbershop, and fun off-site activities.
Accessible Hallways and Stairs
Hallways and stairs are a fall risk for seniors, which is why Brookfield provides wide, well-lit, and accessible hallways and stairs to reduce the risk of falling or tripping so we can ensure the health of our residents.
Safety
In the case of a fall or any other emergency, there is no need to worry. Our 24/7 care ensures that you will immediately get the medical attention you need, as well as help with your recovery. Living at Brookfield can allow you to engage with a safe and active lifestyle, knowing that you have a dedicated team looking out for you to help whenever you need it.
AtBrookfield Assisted Living and Memory Care, we aim to provide the highest standards of care for our residents. For seniors who have had falls or are afraid of falling, peace of mind can be hard to find, but we can help you regain the sense of independence and confidence that you might have lost.
You can find our communities atBella Vista,Fort Smith, andHot Springs in Arkansas. To learn more about our assisted living options and which is best for you,get in touch with your preferred location, and we can help you out.