Here we mention some common reasons observed by researchers that lead to older people falling:
The balance of body - Due to age, body weight and balance are not under control. The weakness of the muscles is another reason.
Eye vision - As we get older, our eye vision also decreases, which can lead to more accidents and falls.
Chronic health conditions - Dizziness or loss of consciousness caused due to certain health conditions such as hypotension (low blood pressure), dementia and heart diseases can lead to falls.
Certain medications - Some medications have dizziness as a side effect, which can lead to more falls. It is advisable for older people to not move after taking medications like this.
It is the responsibility of the young to care for their older family members who are not able to move as efficiently. Here are some tips for younger people:
1. Discuss their health with them - Ask any older family members directly if they are having trouble moving or walking, or if there are any additional underlying health issues. Make sure they are taking any necessary medications.
2. Ask them about their eye checkup or eye problem - Vision is the most common reason for many falls. In the case of older age, vision can also become severely reduced or impaired. If they are having eye problems, take them for an eye checkup.
3. Tell them to incorporate exercise into their daily routine - Including lower limb strengthening exercises in daily routine could help increase muscle strength. Additionally, try to incorporate balance improvement exercises as well.
4. Discuss their medications - Medications intake could lead to dizziness, followed by sudden falls. It’s best to know the possible side effects of the medications they are taking. Generally, older age people are taking medicine vigorously for each health issue.
5. Assess home to make living easier - There are various ways to change the features at home to reduce the fall, such as increasing the light at home where the elder ones are resting to avoid vision problems. Don’t allow them to use the stairs. Keep their room located on the ground floor to make their lives easier.
6. Remove clutters - Keep their homes clutter-free by removing newspapers or any article, especially from staircases and floors
7. Install handrails and grab bars - Install safety devices like handrails in hallways and stairways, as well as grab bars by bathtubs and toilets.
8. Eliminate tripping hazards - Check every room for items like wood boards, slippery rugs, and loose carpet. In case you find them, repair, replace, or remove them to avoid any fall.
9. Keep the floor nonslip -Make sure to use nonslip mats to prevent falls on wet surfaces, especially bathrooms and kitchens.
10. Wear non-slip chappals or shoes - Wear non-slip chappals or shoes that have proper grips on the feet.
11. Add more night-lights - Add enough proper lights in all rooms for better guidance while walking at night times.
These are the 11 effective steps one should keep in mind if they have elderly at home.
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