Some Common Factors That Can Lead To A Fall:
Balance & gait
As we age, most of us lose some coordination, flexibility, and balance primarily through inactivity, making it easier to fall.
Vision
In the aging eye, less light reaches the retina—making contrasting edges, tripping hazards, and obstacles harder to see.
Medications
Some prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can cause dizziness, dehydration, or interactions with each other that can lead to a fall.
Environment
Most seniors have lived in their homes for a long time and have never thought about simple modifications that might keep it safer as they age.
Chronic conditions
More than 80% of older adults have at least one chronic condition like diabetes, stroke, or arthritis.
6 Steps to Reducing the Risk of fall
Here are six steps you can take today to help you are older loved one reduce their risk of a fall:
Increase lighting throughout the house, especially at the top and bottom of stairs. Ensure that lighting is readily available when getting up in the middle of the night.
Make sure there are two secure rails on all stairs.
Install grabs bars in the tub/shower and near the toilet. Make sure they’re installed where your older loved one would use them. For even greater safety, consider using a shower chair and hand-held shower.