According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of injury among seniors. Seniors here in Allen, TX, are using solutions like modifications to their homes, wellness routines, and moving into senior living communities.
With many local seniors using aging in place strategies, it's more important than ever to take senior safety in Allen, TX, seriously.
Interested in learning more about fall prevention in the elderly? Read on to learn more about this important topic.
Whether it's the same house they've lived in for decades, or if it's a new independent living apartment, the principles of fall prevention in the elderly are the same. The five P approach is an easy way to internalize fall risk awareness. As long as you remember the acronym, you'll be able to recall the five most important aspects of fall prevention and how to implement them.
So, the first P stands for pain. Any new or worsening pain is a bad sign, but pain in specific areas indicates an elevated risk of falling. For example, pain in the hips, back, knees, or feet could suggest mobility issues that will eventually lead to a fall. Of course, you should treat pain appropriately according to what a doctor suggests.
However, you should be cautious about the potential sedating side effects of painkillers. If the pain affects how somebody walks or stands in a noticeable way, you should see a doctor as soon as possible.
Seniors are particularly at risk of falling in bathrooms. That's because bathrooms are often full of places a senior could potentially slip. Senior bathrooms need to be upgraded with the following safety features:
With these safety features, the chances of falls are significantly reduced. According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, installing these safety features is key to safety
Position changes can trigger dizziness or a loss of balance; in seniors, this is often due to drops in blood pressure. Seniors should use slow, deliberate movements to change positions.
Seniors who struggle to stand up from a sitting position are at higher risk of falling. Luckily, support is available. Mobility support for aging adults, such as canes and walkers, can make movement more comfortable and safe.
Those who consistently struggle with position changes should consider doing some mobility-boosting activities.
Senior environments need to be free of obstacles and well-lit. A lot of seniors' falls happen at night, in poorly lit areas where there are obstacles hidden in the shadows.
Making the following tweaks can significantly reduce fall risk:
Certain medications raise the risk of falls by making you drowsy, blurring your vision, or lowering your blood pressure. Do not rely on guesswork; consult with a clinician or pharmacist before reviewing any prescription:
According to the NICE, systematic medication review is a cornerstone of fall prevention. Seniors are particularly at risk of medication side effects because they tend to take large numbers of tablets per day. The more medications you take, the more potential interactions and side effects you'll face. Side effects include things like dizziness and sedation, and sometimes these effects only materialize through interactions between two different drugs.
A periodic medication review allows seniors to figure out where they stand and to refresh their memories about any potential medication side effects.
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions from people in the Allen, TX community.
Falls at 90 are usually not minor because bones aren't as dense, reflexes are slower, and a lot of people take medicines that make it harder to keep their balance. Immediate risks include: hip or wrist fractures.
Sprains and bruises can significantly impair mobility even without a break or fracture.
As a result of the initial injury, complications can rapidly escalate. Within days, immobility can cause:
Muscle loss
Constipation
Blood clots
Pneumonia
Pressure injuries
When older adults fall, it makes another fall much more likely. This is especially true for seniors who are 90 or older.
Looking for a concise fall prevention in the elderly checklist? Use this room-by-room checklist as a minimum standard for aging in place.
If you keep all these checklist items in mind, you'll create a safe and supportive environment.
Safety comes first at our community. We deploy proven techniques for fall prevention in the elderly, including handrails, automated lighting, and exercise programs. By making such modifications to the environment and by encouraging senior wellbeing, we can significantly reduce the risk of falling here in Allen, TX.
But that's not all we offer our independent living residents. If you choose to call Discovery Village Twin Creeks your home, you could qualify for our exclusive Ambassadors club. Club members could earn rewards like be rewarded with exclusive events, parties, gifts, and special bonuses.
Are you interested in seeing our independent living precautions and supportive community for yourself? Contact us today to set up a tour.