Caregiver Training on How to Prevent Falls in the Elderly

As people age, a decrease in bone density, musculature and joint flexibility make accidents more perilous, especially if osteoporosis has taken root. Adding to this difficulty, reaction times often lessen with extreme age, necessitating a preventative approach to avoid any falls from occurring in the first place. Not only should the elderly take extra calcium and vitamin D, as well as get regular exercise, to improve their chances when accidents happen, but you can help them to prevent falls from happening in the first place.

Things You'll Need

• No-skid tape
• Paint and brush or roller
• Night lights with motion sensors
• Hand rails for staircases
• Grab bars
• Step stool
• Universal remote control
• Bright-colored tape
• Non-skid tub mat
• Soap dispenser

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Instructions

• 1

  Move unnecessary tables, chairs or plants elsewhere in high-traffic areas where elderly people often walk, inside or outside, and avoid clutter.

• 2

  Remove visible cords; minimize the number of edges that can be tripped over; erect handrails for all stairs and inclines; regularly shovel and salt sidewalks in winter climates to melt ice and snow; place no-skid tape under any area rugs or removing them all together; avoid polishes or waxes that make floors more slippery; and keep all areas well lighted to safeguard outdoor walkways and entryways to rooms.

• 3

  Paint rooms starkly different colors when the surfaces of the flooring will change. This will provide a visual reminder of the change in floor type.

• 4

  Place night lights in every room. These come in motion-sensor models that will save electricity.

• 5

  Make sure the bathroom, a most slippery place, is safeguarded. Install safety bars on every wall surrounding the tub and toilet, as well as a safety seat. Have non-skid mats firmly in place in and out of the tub. Use a soap dispenser for the tub. Other types of soap can be dropped, necessitating unnecessary reaching or stooping.

• 6

  Keep all commonly used items, in the kitchen, bathroom or elsewhere, within easy reach. A solid step stool should be easy to reach if taller helpers aren't available.

• 7

  Set up a universal remote control and replace old corded phones with the cordless variety. If the elderly person has a cell phone they should be encouraged to keep it on them at all times in case emergency help is needed. If they don't have a cell phone, there should be an easy-to-reach line in every room.

• 8

  Tape the front lips of any stairs with bright-colored tape for easy stepping.

• 9

  Recommend chairs, couches and beds that are easy to get in and out of. Some models of chairs are designed to help older people go from sitting to standing.

• 10

  Encourage the elderly to use shoes with non-skid soles, avoiding slippers, flip-flops or dress shoes with no rubberized protection.