Did you know that falls are the most common cause of injury among seniors? Thankfully, knowing what causes falls, can help prevent them.
Loss of Coordination
Unfortunately, as we age, most of us will lose our sense of coordination, which can cause us to lose our balance easily, resulting in falls.
Environment
Make sure hallways and rooms are free from major clutter that may cause an unnecessary tripping hazard. You can also add a bar to help with getting in and out of the tub, or shower. There are many simple modifications that can be very helpful in preventing falls!
Medication
Certain prescriptions and over the counter medications can cause dizziness as a side effect. Speak to your doctor, or pharmacist if you're unsure if you or your loved one may be taking a medication that causes dizziness.
Vision
As we age, our eyes do too. The most common cause of lost vision in seniors, is age-related macular degeneration, which in short, causes loss of our central vision, making potential hazards harder to see.
What Can We do to Prevent Falls?
Make an Appointment with your Optometrist and Family Doctor
If you or your loved one hasn't had their eyes checked, schedule an appointment with an optometrist as soon as you can. This can help prevent any unknown eye issues that could potentially cause a fall. If they already wear glasses and haven't seen their optometrist in a while, schedule an appointment to make sure the prescription is still working for them. Additionally, If you have any concerns about medications or gait, schedule an appointment with your family doctor.
Analyze the Environment
Are there lots of stairs in the house? Dim lighting? Analyze the environment to see if it has many unknown hazards that could contribute to a fall. Preventing a fall can be as simple and quick as installing grab bars along the hallway, or by their bed. If you need help with identifying and preventing hazards, contact us and see how we can help.
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