Tips on Senior Safety & Falls

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one out of every three adults age 65 years or older falls each year. It states that falls are the leading cause of injury or death and the most common cause of hospital admissions for trauma among seniors. However, there are certain steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of falls among seniors.

Medication Review

• The Center for Disease Control and Prevention advocates a review and management of the medication of senior citizens so as to identify and eliminate the side-effects of medication interactions such as drowsiness and dizziness, effects that can increase the chances of falls.

  Many senior citizens are not aware that their daily medications may actually increase their chances of falling. This is because aging has an adverse effect on the absorption, distribution and elimination of medications. It can also magnify the way the body reacts to potential side-effects. Examples of such drugs are antidepressants, antipsychotics, tranquilizers, sleep medications and anti-anxiety drugs, all of which are psychoactive medications or drugs that alter brain function. Other examples include medications for lowering blood pressure, medication for treating seizure disorders, painkillers and heart medications. Some of the effects of these drugs that can enhance the risk for falling include blurred vision, confusion and impaired judgment, dizziness and lightheadedness and delirium. This practice of medication review is especially important for senior citizens taking up to four medications or any psychoactive medications. The medication reviews can be done by home health professionals, at pharmacies and screening clinics.

Vision Care

• One of the unpleasant effects of aging is a gradual reduction in the ability to see very well. The effect of this on senior citizens is erosion in the sense of perception of depth, color and distance or a significant reduction in the clarity of vision, which might cause them to trip over objects or run into things, causing falls. The solution is to have an optometrist examine the eyes of seniors to diagnose vision problems and other eye diseases. After performing such examinations, they may prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Home Safety Assessment

• Hazards in the home can significantly contribute to the risk of falls for elderly people. Such risks can be the result of poor lighting, tripping and slipping hazards, and a lack of safety home modifications like stair railings and ramps, handicapped showers and bathroom grab bars. Physical therapists and registered nurses can help carry out home assessments and modifications to determine the type of modifications needed.

Mobility Devices

• Seniors who have trouble walking need to use personal assistive mobility and safety devices to help them maintain their balance or to move around. Examples of such mobility devices include walkers, walking sticks and wheelchairs. A physical therapist can examine the senior to determine the exact type of mobility device that is appropriate.