Fall Prevention Tips for Older Adults – and What to Do After a Fall

Falls are a big concern for seniors living at home. According to the CDC, one out of four older adults falls every year in the U.S. – and many falls are never reported. Understanding how to prevent falls and what steps to take if a fall occurs can help seniors maintain their independence and safety

• Understanding the risks for senior falls
• How to prevent senior falls at home
• What to do when a senior fall occurs
• Independent senior living could help
• Summary
• Make every day a Holiday

Understanding the risks for senior falls

Senior falls can result in serious injuries, including fractures and head trauma. They’ve been the leading cause of injury-related deaths among older adults in the U.S. Several factors contribute to the increased risk of seniors falling.

Reduced muscle strength and balance

Aging often leads to decreased muscle mass and strength, affecting balance and coordination.

Chronic conditions

Conditions like arthritis, diabetes and heart disease can affect mobility and balance.

Medications

Some medications have side effects like dizziness or drowsiness, increasing the risk of falls.

Environmental hazards

Clutter, poor lighting and slippery floors can create tripping hazards at home.

How to prevent senior falls at home

Preventing senior falls at home requires a combination of lifestyle changes, home modifications and awareness. Here are some effective strategies.

Stay active and exercise regularly

Engage in exercises that improve strength, balance and flexibility. Activities like walking, tai chi and yoga can be beneficial.

Review medications

Regularly review medications with a healthcare provider to identify any that may increase fall risk.

Make home modifications

• Improve lighting. Make sure all areas of the home are well-lit, especially stairways and hallways.
• Remove clutter. Keep floors free from tripping hazards like electrical cords and throw rugs.
• Install grab bars and handrails. Place grab bars in the bathroom tub or shower stall and handrails on both sides of any stairways.

Switch to non-slip mats

Place non-slip mats in areas where the floor is likely to get wet, like the bathroom, kitchen and entryways.

Wear proper footwear

Choose shoes with non-slip soles and avoid walking in socks or slippers.

Don’t miss health check-ups

Regular check-ups (especially for vision and hearing) can help identify and address any issues that may affect balance.

What to do when a senior fall occurs

When a fall happens, it’s crucial to know how to respond to minimize injuries and get the necessary help.

If uninjured:

Stay calm

Assess the situation and try to get up slowly.

Roll onto your side

Slowly roll onto your side. This allows you to get into a better position to move.

Push up to your hands and knees

Push yourself up onto your hands and knees, getting into a crawling position. If you have knee issues, you can scoot on your bottom instead.

Crawl to a sturdy piece of furniture

Crawl or scoot toward a sturdy chair, coffee table or couch. This will provide the support you need to get up.

Get into position

Once in front of the furniture, place your hands on it and extend your stronger leg first. Push yourself up to a standing position from there.

Sit if needed

If you can’t fully stand, turn your body and sit on the chair, sofa or table.

Seek medical attention

Even if injuries aren’t apparent, it’s essential to see a healthcare provider after a fall to rule out any underlying issues.

And remember…

If someone comes to your aid after a fall, it’s important to be cautious. There’s a risk of injury for partners or caregivers when they try to help someone up.

If injured:

If you’re hurt or unable to get up, call 911 immediately using your cell phone or wearable medical emergency device.

Independent senior living could help

Moving to an independent senior living community can be a safer choice for many older adults. At Holiday by Atria, our communities are designed with senior safety in mind.

Social engagement

Opportunities for social interaction to reduce isolation and increase physical well-being.

24/7 emergency response

Emergency response systems help in the event of a medical emergency.

Professional care services

Access to third-party care services on-site, including clinical, non-clinical, and physical, occupational and speech therapy.

Financial value

Older adult falls are common, preventable and costly. Medical costs associated with non-fatal falls resulting in emergency room treatment have averaged almost $9,000 per fall. Even with all the added safety features at Holiday, moving to one of our independent living communities could cost seniors less than living at home. Just run the numbers and see.

Summary

Preventing falls and knowing how to respond if they occur is crucial for seniors, especially those living alone. By moving into an independent living senior community like Holiday, retirees can enjoy an active lifestyle in a safe environment – often for less than what it costs to continue living at home.

Make every day a Holiday

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For more information or to schedule a private tour at a Holiday independent living community near you, visit HolidaySeniorLiving.com.