What to Know About Fall Prevention in the Elderly

Did you know that more than 10 percent of falls occurring in the elderly result in a major injury?Fortunately, most falls can be prevented.

Thats why our team of in-home care providers at Qualicare Tri Cities have a few tips to share about fall prevention.

Avoid Falling

Falls among the elderly can result in several medical conditions, including:

• Abrasions
• Bruises
• Fractures (including hip)
• Intracranial injuries
• Lacerations

If a fall is serious enough, it can even lead to morbidity, which is why fall prevention is so important. Lets look at some ways you can help prevent falls in your loved one.

First, you want to make sure you are keeping all rooms in the home as free from clutteras possible. Floors should be kept clear of clutter, since anything in the walking path can be considered a fall hazard.

If there are rugs on the floor, make sure theyre properly adhered to the floor and ensure that cords are tucked away and not in the floor.

Second, make sure your loved one wears appropriate footwear when walking. Socks and slippers can increase a persons risk of falling. Therefore, it is important for elderly loved ones to wear non-skid shoes to prevent falls, even if they are just staying inside for the day.

Finally, if there are stairs in the home, make sure there are handrails on both sides to give your loved one a better grip when walking up and down. Handrails can also be helpful in the bathroom.

Are you worried about leaving your loved one home alone due to his or her fall risk? Contact our in-home care providers at Qualicare Tri Citiestoday to learn how we can lend a helping hand!