The Top 3 Strategies to Prevent Elderly Falls

Elder Care in Highland Park, TX – Environmental Hazards are Not the Main Cause of Falls for Seniors

Eleanor’s mother, Rose, is a 76 year old lady who fell down while she was trying to get out of her car. The injury caused her to end up in the hospital and she could only resume her activities after a few months had passed. This incident made Rose recognize the environmental hazards around her that could cause her to lose her balance or trip and fall. Rose is not alone. According to the Yale University School of Medicine, one out of three seniors aged 65 and over suffer falls leading to injuries such as bone fracture, dislocating one of their joints or sustaining some other serious injury.

Unlike Rose many seniors who fall never fully recover their mobility and are forced to use wheelchairs and rely on the aid of others. The major cause of these falls was thought to be environmental hazards such as:

• Rugs on the floor
• Bumps on the side walk
• Slippery bathrooms
• Poorly lit stairwells

A recent study at the University of Yale has disproved this, however. In the study,  researchers identified and studied the household hazards in 1, 100 homes where seniors resided. At the end of three years, they concluded that household hazards did not determine the number of falls. Instead the health of the person determined the number of falls they had. The senior was compromised by:

• The medication they were on such as antidepressants clouding their judgment and leading to their fall
• Poor eyesight
• Weak leg muscles

The study found that to prevent falls people should ask their doctors to reduce their dosage for certain medication such as sleeping pills and antidepressants which play a role in impairing balance. The study is still being reviewed by the American Geriatric Society.

Strengthening balance and increasing mobility certainly play a role in reducing falls as well as good nutrition to keep bones strong and avoid osteoporosis. Everything works hand in hand, so the overall best strategy to avoid falls incorporates all of these: reduce environmental hazards, increase balance and muscle strength, exercise and eat nutritious food.

Elderly home care can help your aging parent to accomplish her goals when it comes to reducing fall risks in each of the mentioned areas.