Recognizing the factors that increase the likelihood of trips and falls is crucial in taking measures to prevent them.
Certain individuals are more susceptible to falls, especially when their living environments contain hazards.
Groups of people who are more at risk of falls
Certain health conditions can heighten the risk of falls, including:
- Chronic illnesses like heart disease, arthritis, low blood pressure, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, or other cognitive issues, which may lead to coordination problems, dizzy spells, and general weakness.
- Imbalance caused by infections or a fear of falling.
- Medications with side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, or impaired functioning, particularly when multiple medications are taken daily.
- A decrease in muscle strength and joint flexibility, impacting mobility factors like standing up, walking, or getting out of a chair.
- Slower reaction times due to the deterioration of nerves that transmit information to and from the brain, a common issue with ageing. This can affect the ability to quickly avoid obstacles, such as a slippery floor.
- Poor vision, which can prevent timely awareness of potential hazards
Typical Home Hazards That Raise the Risk of Falls:
- Excessive clutter and furniture obstructing walking paths.
- Tripping risks like loose or worn rugs, uneven flooring, dangling cords, or long-hemmed clothing.
- Inadequate lighting.
- Wet or slick floor surfaces.
- Items stored in hard-to-reach places.
- Ill-fitting footwear.
- Absence of necessary equipment or aids, or using inappropriate ones.
The Effects of Falls
Falls can have severe and far-reaching consequences.
As we age, the likelihood of sustaining more serious injuries from falls increases, as does the fear of falling again.
Elderly individuals are at a higher risk of breaking bones, especially wrists or hips, when they fall. Hip fractures can lead to significant disability, and often require substantial help and support during recovery at home. The risk of experiencing a hip fracture, and its detrimental impacts, escalate almost ten times with each passing decade after the age of 50. Women are particularly at risk due to the higher prevalence of osteoporosis.
For those aged 75 and above, the repercussions are even more significant. In this age group, falls are the leading cause of death.
Following a fall, individuals often experience a loss of confidence in their balance, leading to a fear of falling that can cause anxiety or tension, thereby heightening the risk of subsequent falls. During such times, home help can offer the necessary care and support needed for these individuals.
Advice For People With Elderly Relatives
While staying at home is the safest option, it can be challenging to figure out how to support them without physical visits. To help with this, we have compiled our top 10 tips for caring for elderly relatives during the lockdown:
Reach out to your loved one with a phone call to check on them.
Share stories about TV shows, gardening activities, walks, or amusing moments with the children.
Encourage them to keep moving, even while staying indoors. Suggest simple exercises like chair workouts or lifting household items.
Coordinate with other family members to take turns checking on your relatives. A collective effort supports everyone’s well-being and keeps the family connected.
For those intimidated by online shopping, offer to help organize their grocery orders and keep them informed about delivery schedules. If online shopping isn’t an option, inform them of available shopping assistance so they can remain safely at home.
Unfortunately, scams targeting the elderly are on the rise. Remind them to never share bank or financial details over the phone.
If they have outdoor space, suggest gardening, which benefits both mental and physical health. Even tending to plants on a windowsill can be a rewarding activity.
Encourage them to join group calls via various apps and digital tools. If they lack a smartphone or tablet, consider including them in group chats through regular phone calls.
Pets can significantly lift spirits and provide a sense of purpose.
Suggest engaging in brain-stimulating activities like crosswords and puzzles, available through apps, websites, or printed materials. Dropping off a new puzzle book at their door during your daily walk can be a delightful surprise.
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