This was a phrase used for fall prevention ads for a long time. The ad shared devices your aging parents or partner could wear in case they fell and could not get up. Needless to say, seniors fall often and statistics share that falls are the number one injury that can lead to the death of someone over 65 years of age. Falls typically can be over something very simple like a throw rug or cord that gets in the way. How do you help protect your aging parents from falling and getting hurt?

7 Tips to Avoid Falls

Stay Physically Active

You cannot go wrong with exercise to keep yourself physically and mentally fit. Most exercise experts often say if you are stressed or need to relax, exercise is the key. For example, exercise helps you focus and be alert so you do not fall on a rug, curb or electric cord. Keeping active aids you with your strength and mental alertness. 

Engage in Balance and Strength Activities

Try yoga or strength exercises to help build muscle and balance and then you lower the risk of falling. Building your strength and balance helps you stand and walk confidently and keep you at a low risk of falls. As we age, our balance is not quite what it used to be; therefore a little yoga can go a long way to keep us safe in everyday activities. 

Check your Vision and Hearing

A small change in vision or hearing can have a big impact on your balance. Oftentimes aging adults that have a change in vision or hearing, experience vertigo or other symptoms that cause them to be off balance. Dementia patients can suffer sometimes with depth perception and how they process information. This delayed processing can cause them to fall because of the disconnection with distance, like between the curb or road and the sidewalk and their varying heights.. 

Remove Potential Tripping Hazards

It seems very basic to remove tripping hazards but many people do not do it. To make your aging parents safe, you need to check that there are no loose rugs on the floor or steps which they can get tangled in and fall. Also, make sure no electrical cords are in the way that can cause tripping. In addition make sure outside tools are not in the way and that common walkways are clear of items that can cause tripping and falling. Make sure there is sufficient lighting throughout the house and walkways. Finally, make sure you have grab bars in the bathroom to help prevent falling especially since the floors are often wet and can be slippery. 

Check Medicine Side Effects

It is very important to check medications to be aware of side effects. If a medication can cause dizziness, you need to talk to your pharmacist and doctor. It is important to know what medications can do to inhibit your everyday function and keep you safe from falling. In addition, you need to move slowly and carefully whether you are taking new medications or not. Be aware and read what medications can do to your balance and health. 

Limit Alcohol

Limiting alcohol goes without saying, you should always be careful. Be cognisant that alcohol is dangerous and blurs vision and impairs hearing that in turn affects your balance. If your balance is off, you are at a bigger risk of falling. Plain and simple, be careful with alcohol and its effects on your balance. 

Get Rest

A rested person can be more alert and awake to not fall. It is that easy. Proper sleep rest the brain and the body and gives you an opportunity to rejuvenate to be ready for the day to walk and pay attention and avoid falling risks. If you have a lack of or poor sleep, you will  not be as alert and ready to take on the day and function at full capacity.

Falls happen often and we can try and prevent them. You can help your parents make their life more fuller, if they try to eliminate falling situations. If you have more questions or concerns about your aging parents, contact Ann Jamison at Senior Living Options. Ann is experienced with aging adults and how to find the best living arrangements for your parents at each chapter of the aging process. She has been a caregiver and has expert advice to help you have a positive experience while helping mom or dad move to the next chapter of living a full and purposeful life.

Author: Ann Jamison

Ann Jamison is an experienced senior advisor who has successfully worked with hundreds of families to help them find the best care and home-like environment for themselves or their loved ones. Prior to launching Senior Living Options, Ann was an eldercare advisor for a national placement agency and served as sales director at a senior living community. Thanks to her 25-year career in advertising sales and marketing, Ann is able to discern between hype and reality for her clients. Ann recognizes that there are objective factors that need to be weighed when making a life-changing decision, but she can also assess the important softer attributes by getting to know her clients and by using the gut instincts that can only come through extended experience.