What Interventions Can Reduce Falls Among Elderly Patients?
In the quest to safeguard our elderly from the risks of falling, we've gathered valuable strategies from experienced care professionals, including an Occupational Therapist. Alongside expert recommendations like optimizing home safety, we also present additional answers that contribute to this critical conversation. From the simple yet effective installation of bathroom grab bars to the thorough review of medications for stability, explore the interventions making a difference in the lives of seniors.
- Optimize Home Safety
- Balance and Strength Program
- Ensure Regular Vision Check-Ups
- Introduce Tai Chi Classes
- Review Medications for Stability
Optimize Home Safety
Most falls among the elderly occur within the home, and so finding solutions to keep it as safe as possible is a no-brainer.
Occupational Therapists are the true and trusted home safety specialists. We are able to assess both the environment and the individual’s function; therefore, we can determine what is the best setup in their home, given a person’s abilities and limitations.
Some easy solution home modifications and other strategies that can significantly reduce the risk of falls are:
- Removing or reducing clutter or tripping hazards (i.e., extension cords, removing loose area rugs)
- Ensuring there are railings for all staircases (preferably on both sides)
- Using non-slip socks or slippers with a closed heel, especially if the floor surface is smooth and slippery
- Installing grab bars or hand supports in high fall-risk areas like the bathroom
- Ensuring proper lighting, especially in all high-traffic areas
These strategies will hopefully be a good start to keeping people safe in their homes.
Balance and Strength Program
As an occupational therapist, I have found that implementing a multicomponent intervention program focusing on balance and muscle strength has been effective in reducing falls among independently functioning older adults. This program involves group exercise classes emphasizing balance, conducted twice a week for eight weeks. The results have shown improvement in balance and muscle strength, particularly among those at high fall risk, transitioning many from a high-fall-risk group to a low-fall-risk group.
Ensure Regular Vision Check-Ups
Regular vision check-ups are a crucial part of preventing falls among the elderly population. Vision impairments can greatly increase the risk of an accident, as not seeing obstacles or changes in terrain clearly can lead to stumbles and falls. By identifying and treating visual problems early, the risk can be significantly reduced.
Regular check-ups should become a routine part of an elderly person's health care plan. Make an appointment with an optometrist to ensure that vision issues are not putting you or your elderly relative at unnecessary risk.
Introduce Tai Chi Classes
Teaching Tai Chi to elderly individuals offers a unique intervention that addresses stability and balance. This gentle form of exercise focuses on slow, deliberate movements and has been shown to improve both physical and mental well-being. As balance improves, the risk of falls can decrease significantly.
Classes for Tai Chi can often be found at community centers and are a great way for the elderly to stay active and engaged. Encourage local community centers to offer Tai Chi classes geared towards the elderly to promote their stability and overall health.
Review Medications for Stability
Reviewing medications for side effects that could affect balance or stability is an essential preventive approach to reduce falls. Some medications have the potential to cause dizziness or drowsiness, which can lead to a loss of stability in elderly patients. It's important to have a healthcare professional regularly evaluate the medication regimen and make adjustments if necessary.
Eliminating or changing drugs that could contribute to falls can make a big difference in safety. Speak with a pharmacist or doctor to review your medications or those of an elderly loved one.