Fall Prevention: A Stitch in Time Saves Nine

According to Public Health England, 30% of people aged 65 and over and 50% aged 80 and older fall at least once a year!

In 5% of cases, falls can lead to fractures and hospitalisation. Unaddressed fall hazards in the home are estimated to cost the NHS in England £435 million.

Falls and fractures are a common and serious issue for older people being cared for at home but they are preventable. Adopting proactive measures can help prevent injury, reduce hospital admissions and improve the quality of life for elderly care patients.

In this blog, we look at common causes of falls for older people, preventative measures and practical fall-proofing tips and tricks for the home.

1. Causes of Falls in the Elderly

There are many causes for why falls happen, including physical health, environmental factors and psychological reasons.

• Physical Health: Age related decline in muscle mass, strength and function known as sarcopenia, is more likely to occur in people with chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and arthritis. Eyesight, hearing and reflexes are not as sharp as you get older.

• Environmental Factors: Safety hazards in the home such as spillages, loose rugs, poor lighting, and clutter can cause falls. Poor footwear such as high heels and glasses with out-of-date prescriptions are other factors. Some medications can increase the risk of falling causing side effects such as dizziness or confusion.

• Psychological Factors: Even the fear of falling can ironically increase the risk of falls, due to avoiding physical activities such as walking, shopping or socialising which then leads to a lack of confidence for an elderly person.

2. Strength and Balance Exercises for Seniors

Maintaining overall strength and improving balance and coordination by exercising and keeping physically active can reduce the risk of falls. For example:

• Strength Training: Exercises such as leg raises, wall push-ups, lifting light weights or using resistance bands can help keep joints, tendons and ligaments flexible, and slow the onset of osteoporosis, a bone weakening disease.

• Balance Training: Regular Yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi sessions, and exercises such as standing on one foot and heel-to-toe walking can all help improve balance and muscle strength.

The US National Institute on Aging provide some great tips on how seniors can fit these exercises into their daily routines safely and effectively.

3. Importance of Eyesight and Hearing Tests

• Eyesight:

  • Common Issues: Eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration (eye disease affecting central vision) can all increase the risk of falls.

  • Regular Check-Ups: Eyes should be regularly tested at least every 2 years and prescriptions updated with new glasses or contact lenses if tests reveal a patient’s eyesight has changed.

• Hearing:

  • Impact on Balance: Hearing loss increases as we age and poor hearing can affect balance and an awareness of our surroundings.

  • Hearing Tests: If a client notices their hearing has changed, encourage them to get it checked. It could be as simple as an ear infection or a build-up of wax, or they might need to be prescribed a hearing aid for one or both ears.

4. Medication Side Effects

• Common Medications: Certain prescribed medications can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or low blood pressure. Also, being on a lot of medication can cause unwanted side effects.

• Side Effect Management: Tell a doctor or pharmacist if your care clients experience any unwanted side effects, as dosages may need to be adjusted or medications switched to better alternatives.

• Medication Review: Regular reviews of your care clients medications with their doctor is part of ongoing care planning and management, to make sure they’re still needed and not interacting negatively.

5. Foot Health Care

Foot problems can affect mobility and balance, increasing the risk of tripping and falling.

• Common Foot Problems: Issues like bunions, corns and fungal infections can lead to discomfort and instability.

• Foot Care Tips:

  • Proper Footwear: Supportive, non-slip and practical shoes are more appropriate for older people. High heels or backless shoes should be avoided choosing high-sided shoes with low heels, thin soles and good grip instead.

  • Foot Hygiene: Toenails should be kept short by regularly trimming them as well as keeping feet clean and dry, and checking for cracked skin, blisters and signs of infection.

  • Regular Check-Ups: Regular visits to a GP or chiropodist (foot health professional) are recommended especially if a foot condition affects a patient’s health or mobility.

6. Fall-Proofing Tips and Tricks for the Home

• Room-by-Room Guide:

  • Living Room: Secure loose rugs, remove clutter and trailing electrical wires, arrange furniture and other objects to avoid bumping into them.

  • Bedroom: Install bed rails, use night lights, and keep a clear path to the bathroom. Have a landline or well charged mobile near the bed.

  • Bathroom: Have grab bars installed, use non-slip mats, and raise toilet seats. Leave a light on at night or install an automatic one that turns on in the dark.

  • Kitchen: Mop up spillages immediately. Keep frequently used items within easy reach and safely use step stools on a flat, even surface.

  • Stairs and Hallways: Install secure handrails on both sides of the stairs, make sure these areas are well-lit and keep stairs tidy and clear of any obstacles.

• Assistive Devices: Introduce various aids like walking sticks, walkers, and personal wearable alarms that can help prevent falls.

7. Role of Home Care Software in Fall Prevention

The latest features in home care tech can help you create a fall prevention strategy. For example:

• Care Plan Management: Customised person-centred care plans can highlight individual risk factors for falls.

• Medication Management: Dedicated homecare software can help track medications given and alert caregivers to potential side effects.

• Monitoring and Reporting: Real-time monitoring and reporting can help identify potential risks straightaway to be promptly dealt with.

Since 2000, Tagtronics have helped hundreds of home care agencies to care better using our all-in-one person-centred homecare software.

For a no-obligation demo of how our tech can help prevent falls in the home, call 01254 819205 or email howcanwehelp@tagtronics.co.uk.