Falls are common among residents of nursing homes are associate with the effects of functional disability, frailty and death. Falls prevention service is a solution since Falls which cause injury or medical problems are expensive. Fall prevention for seniors is crucial since they have a anxiety about falling back after they’ve fallen. Due to this fear, the ability to move is limited, which increases the risk of contracting an illness that is comorbid, such as pressure injury, pneumonia or depression because of feeling of being isolated. In the end falling can affect the quality of life for seniors. One effective method to prevent falls is fall prevention at home in the elderly.
Falls Are Prevalent Among the Elderly
About one-third of those who are 65 or older are likely to fall at least one or two times each year. Although the majority of these falls don’t cause injury but they could result in:
- Fractures of the hip or wrist
- Rib fractures, as well as other chest injuries to the chest
- Hip dislocations and shoulder
- The fear of falling could cause a loss of confidence and a reduction in activities because of trauma to your head or abrasions bruises and strains.
How to Do Fall Prevention in Nursing Homes?
In the Annals of Long-Term Care published an article on the methods to falls prevention in nursing homes that acknowledged that there were numerous factors in nursing home falls, and the prevention of falls requires an interprofessional approach.
The authors suggest a number of general guidelines to falling prevention in nursing home, lowering the frequency of falls in nursing homes as well as the reasons for a fall. The following are the measures:
- They stop the possibility of fainting that often caused by rapid drops in blood pressure when having risen quickly. Different medications may also trigger syncope. Patients must be evaluated for signs of a tendency to blur or faint and be informed by staff.
- They understand the necessity to move. Residents who have been sitting for an extended time may feel discomfort or pain and an urge to stand up and move around. Alongside helping those who need assistance in getting up, the staff should ensure that the residents who are unable to move are comfortable and engaged , so that they don’t feel pressured to stand up.
- You must ensure you’re in appropriate footwear. Residents should advised to wear rubber-soled athletic shoes or lace-up shoes that fit comfortably and not slip-ons and socks, as opposed to slippers or walking sole less. Residents should be examined for gait issues that could cause problems, like the inability to stand and clean the floor after every step, which makes the treaded shoes more dangerous.
- They promote physical exercise. Fall prevention in nursing homes needs daily fitness programs as well as a healthy lifestyle. helps seniors to improve their strength and balance and gait, decreasing the chance of falling. The authors say that many residents are assigned wheelchairs even though they have no needs which causes their strength, endurance, and balance to decrease because of neglect.
How to Do Fall Prevention at Home for the Elderly?
As we age, falls prevention service for seniors becomes more crucial. As you age physical changes and illnesses and the medicines that treat them can increase the risk of falling. The risk of falling is, in reality one of the main causes of injury among seniors. But, you don’t have to live in fear of falling. Take a look at some simple fall prevention at home in the elderly methods instead. It doesn’t have to be a massive home improvement. You can implement fall prevention for seniors by making a few minor modifications. The following suggestions from experts to falls prevention service in order to avoid accidents at home:
- Clean up the clutter. Keeping your home neat and tidy is the most effective method to ensure you don’t fall. Clear all clutter from staircases and hallways, including piles of old magazines and newspapers.
- Safety hazards from tripping must addressed or eliminated. Fittings in the home can cause accidents, which can cause back discomfort as well as other injuries. Check each hallway and room for any loose carpet, slippery throw carpets, or protruding timber flooring. For better fall prevention for seniors fix, take away or replace the objects.
- Install grab bars and handrails. These safety devices are crucial to safely ascending and descending steps while using the toilet or stepping into as well out of the tub. If you are in need, seek the help of a handyman, or a family member.
- The wearing of loose clothing not advised. You want to feel at ease in your home, however loose clothing will make you more likely to fall. Select a more streamlined dress that has been hemmed correctly so that it doesn’t gather or drag onto the ground.
- Another risk is inadequate lighting. Install larger light bulbs wherever required, particularly in hallways with narrow stairwells in order to make your house more accessible for seniors. To improve nighttime orientation add nightlights to bathrooms and bedrooms.
- Wear sensible shoes. In your plan for preventing falls in the home of elderly people take into consideration changing your footwear. It is possible to slip or stumble and slip and fall while wearing slippers with high heels, loose slippers or shoes with slick soles. Wearing sock shoes could be risky. Make sure to wear footwear that is well-fitting, durable, and have non-skid soles. The right footwear can aid in relieving joint pain.
- Be aware of your surroundings for falls hazards. Boxes, newspapers electrical cords, telephone cords to help protect your home must taken off pathways. Get rid of loose rugs in your house or secure them using double-faced tape tacks or slip-resistant backing. Repair any floorboards that are loose or carpets as quickly as is possible. Get rid of any spilled liquids, grease or food immediately.
- Utilize assistive technology. To ensure your stability the doctor may recommend the use of an aid such as a walker or cane. Other aids could be helpful.
