Why Seniors Fall & Tips to Prevent It from Happening
According to the National Council on
Aging (NCOA), one out of every four Americans aged 65
and older falls every year and the majority of these falls occur
at home. There are several reasons why seniors are more susceptible to a fall and
there are steps you can take to help decrease the likelihood of it
happening.
Many elderly adults experience a general
overall decline in their physical fitness resulting in reduced muscle strength,
decreased bone mass, loss of balance and coordination, and reduced flexibility that
make them more susceptible to a fall.
Another common problem shared by many seniors is impaired vision. This can make it more difficult to detect
fall hazards such as steps, thresholds, and obstacles and changes in the
ground.
Certain types of medications,
especially the side effects, can cause drowsiness, dizziness or low blood
pressure, which can all increase the risk of a fall. Also keep in mind it is not just prescription
drugs but over-the-counter medications can contribute to balance problems as
well. Other factors that make seniors
more susceptible to falls are chronic diseases such as Parkinson’s disease,
Alzheimer’s disease and arthritis as well as surgical procedures including hip
or knee replacement.
The NIA recommends installing night
lights in the hallways and bathrooms and to have a light switch and phone within
reach of the bed. Keep walkways free of
clutter and avoid using throw rugs and area carpets. Use hand rails when going up and down the
stairs, and if you have a pet, make sure they are not underfoot. In the bathroom, install grab bars in the tub
and near the toilet, and use non-skid mats, strips, or carpet on all surfaces
that may get wet.
At MorningStar
at Mountain Shadows, our loving assisted
living community makes residents’ safety and wellbeing a
priority. We provide 24-hour care, a
licensed nurse on call 24/7, and provide suites equipped with full,
handicapped-accessible bathrooms, an emergency call system and more.
At
MorningStar at Mountain Shadows, we represent the very best in senior living
with a unique mission statement of “to honor, to serve, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God,
valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create
a true “home” for our residents. Located
at the foot of the majestic Rockies, we invite you to see firsthand one of the finest
assisted living facilities in Colorado Springs.
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