Helping Seniors Avoid Falls

As our loved ones age, their health and well-being become paramount concerns. One significant risk that seniors often face is the potential for falls, which can have serious consequences on their overall health.

When our staff first meet a senior client, they perform a fall risk assessment, and you can do a version of this with your loved ones as well. Some things to look for:

1. Is the senior generally active?
2. Do they feel unsteady when walking or standing?
3. Do they take any medications that could impact balance, including sedatives or psychotropic medications?
4. Do they have dementia or memory loss?
5. Is the living area cluttered?
6. Do stairways have handrails? Are they free of clutter?
7. Does the bathroom need safety equipment?
8. Does the senior use assistive devices for ambulation?
9. Is there a smoke alarm and carbon monoxide alarm present and functioning?
10. Are rugs taped to the floor? Are rug corners flat or curling up?
11. Do they need new glasses or hearing aids?

Based on your observances, consider installing bathroom handrails, repairing or installing banisters on any stairs, and using rug tape on any loose rugs on floors or stairs. Install and/or replace batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, clear clutter. Consider purchasing appropriate mobility aids and an emergency alert button.

These small changes can make a big difference in safety for older adults we care about. If your loved one could benefit from additional assistance, contact FCA by clicking here.