Tips & Doubts

For seniors, falls in and around the home have serious consequences. Did you realize that...

• Falls are one of the most serious health risks among seniors over the age of 65, affecting more people than stroke and heart attacks combined.

• Falls are the leading cause of death due to injury in those people 65 and over.

• 95% of hip fractures are caused by falls. 40% of those hospitalized for hip fracture do not return to independent living and 20% will die within a year.

• More than half (55%) of all falls by seniors taking place in the home. An additional 23% occur outside but near the house. TeleHelp can intervene in close to 80% of all falls.

• Most falls go unreported, but it is expected that 35-40% of people over the age of 65% fall each year.

• Those who fall are 2-3 times more likely to fall again. 

• Many chronic medical conditions place millions more seniors at risk. Cardiovascular disease, pulmonary disease, arthritis, diabetes, osteoporosis, diminished hearing and eyesight, and Parkinsons all leave seniors vulnerable to helplessness at home.

There is some positive news...

• Some falls are preventable. Falls caused by environmental factors (like fall hazards in the home) and from side-affects of medication can be foreseen and avoided.

• Preventing falls and the resulting injuries can promote independence, by reducing or delaying the need to move out of the home.

• Getting help quickly after a fall reduces risk of hospitalization by 26% and death by over 80%

For seniors, falls in and around the home can have serious consequences. In fact, falls are the seventh leading cause of death in persons over the age of 65. A study reported in the New England Journal of Medicine found that preventing falls and the resulting injuries can reduce or delay the need to move to a long-term care facility.

If you have taken a fall—or if the possibility of falling is something that worries you—you are not alone. Studies show that the risk of falling increases drastically as a person ages. They also show that most seniors put falling and fall-related injuries at the top of their list of things to worry about.

Why Older Adults Are at Greater Risk of Falling

As a person ages, physical changes make falling more likely. They also increase the chance that the person who falls will be injured. But physical changes to eyesight, balance, muscle tone, and bone structure are only one part of a bigger picture. Here are some of the major reasons seniors are at an increased risk of falling.

Physical and mental changes—Most older persons, sooner or later, will experience problems with their eyesight, sense of balance, mobility, bone structure, and reflexes. Confusion, forgetfulness, stroke, Parkinson’s, and Alzheimer’s are also important risk factors.

Medications—Most seniors take a variety of medications, both over-the-counter and prescription. Many medications can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or other side effects that make it harder to keep your balance.

Environmental causes—Throw rugs, electrical cords, wet and slippery floors, rough floor surfaces, slick walkways and steps, poor lighting are all examples of things or conditions that can trip you up.

Things you don’t expect—Often, a contributing cause in a fall is the circumstance you do not expect and have not prepared for. You lean against a door, thinking it is closed. You walk down a poorly lighted walkway, not prepared for the small pile of weeds and clippings someone has left there.

What Can You do to Help Protect Against Falls?

Use this fall protection checklist to make your home as safe as possible.

1. Have a lamp or light switch that you can easily reach without getting out of bed.
2. Use nightlights in the bedroom, bathroom and hallways.
3. Keep a flashlight handy.
4. Have light switches at both ends of stairs and halls. Install handrails on both sides of stairs.
5. Turn on lights when you go into the house at night.
6. Add grab bars in shower, tub and toilet areas
7. Use bath mats with suction cups
8. Use non-slip adhesive strips or a mat in shower or tub
9. Consider sitting on a bench or stool in the shower
10. Consider using an elevated toilet seat.
11. Wear non-slip, low-heeled shoes or slippers that fit snugly. Don't walk around in stocking feet.
12. Remove all extraneous clutter in your house.
13. Keep telephone and electrical cords out of pathways.
14. Tack rugs and glue vinyl flooring so they lay flat. Remove or replace rugs or runners that tend to slip, or attach non-slip backing.
15. Ensure that carpets are firmly attached to the stairs.
16. Use helping devices, such as canes, when necessary.
17. Purchase a step stool with high and sturdy handrails. Do not stand on a chair to reach things.
18. Paint the edges of outdoor steps and any steps that are especially narrower, higher, or lower than the rest.
19. Paint outdoor stairs with non-slip paint (or mixture of sand and paint) for better traction.
20. Review medications with your pharmacist. Some drugs can make you drowsy, dizzy and unsteady.
21. Watch your intake of alcohol. More than two drinks per day can cause unsteadiness.
22. Have your hearing and eyesight tested. Inner ear problems can affect balance. Vision problems make it difficult to see potential hazards.
23. Exercise regularly to improve muscle flexibility and strength.
24. If you feel dizzy or light-headed, sit down or stay seated until your head clears. Stand up slowly to avoid unsteadiness.

If you are concerned about protecting against falls‚ put the subject out on the table for discussion. Falls are a topic that deserves time and attention, especially in a health care appointment. Say what your fears and concerns are. If you have experienced falls or problems with balance, vision, or medications, bring that history up.

Make sure your health care team is dealing with a full understanding of your situation. If they recommend testing or other steps, such as a change of diet or special exercises, take their advice.

“"If exercise could be packaged into a pill, it would be the single most widely prescribed and beneficial medicine in the nation." ”

— Robert N. Butler, MD, Former Director, National Institute on Aging

Exercise for elderly adults can reduce the risk of falls, as well as help protect against or delay some diseases and disabilities. Older people of all ages have much to gain from staying active, and it's something they can do easily at home. Walking, gardening, and household chores are all physical activities that keep you moving, active and fit.

The major benefits of staying active include:

• Maintains muscle strength
• Strengthens bones and slows down the process of osteoporosis
• Keeps joints, tendons and ligaments more flexible, making it easier to move around
• Increases energy
• Strengthens heart and lungs
• Promotes a sense of well-being

Fear of Falling Can Actually Increase Falls

One of the main reasons many older adults give for not exercising is fear of falling. Experts tell us that fear of falling is almost as big of a problem for seniors as falling itself. Of course, being concerned about falls is a good thing, if you turn that fear into taking steps to protect against falls—as in the “25 Ways” you read about earlier).

The problem comes when a person retreats, taking a “safe at any cost” approach. That’s when fear of falling can trap a person into a vicious cycle that looks something like this:

If fear of falling is keeping you from being physically active, share your concerns with your healthcare provider. Many hospitals, senior centers and clinics now offer courses on fall prevention that can teach you to get moving—safely, and with confidence.

Studies show that all older adults can safely do some form of exercise, no matter what medical problems or disabilities they face. In fact, frail or disabled persons have the most to gain! You don’t have to exercise for hours to gain health benefits. Even a set of simple exercises like these can help you increase muscle and improve your sense of balance.

For a set of exercises that you or a loved one can easily do at home, click here.

Remember, check with your doctor or other healthcare provider before you start these or any other exercise program

In fact, TeleHelp is the service recommended by more healthcare and eldercare professionals than any other. Click to find out more about:

• How TeleHelp Works to protect you or your loved one.

• How the TeleHelp CareParters Telephone enhances the everyday quality of life and support while providing access to the TeleHelp Personal Response Service.

• How TeleHelp meets the need of seniors and others with specific medical conditions.