Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths for seniors, with 1-in-3 adults over the age of 65 falling every year. Older adults with dementia are up to 60% more likely to fall, putting them at a greater risk of sustaining injuries, which can lead to hospitalization and immobility.

Six out of every 10 falls happen at home, where we
spend much of our time and tend to move around
without thinking about our safety. Many of these falls
could be prevented by making these simple changes:

1. MAKE FINDING “MY STUFF” EASIER: Put frequently used items in easily-accessible places.
2. REMOVE STUMBLING BLOCKS: Remove anything that could cause you to trip or slip while
   walking. Clutter, small furniture, pet bowls, electrical or
   phone cords, and throw rugs can cause falls.
3. ORGANIZE FURNITURE: Arrange furniture so you have plenty of room to walk freely.
   Also, remove items from stairs and hallways. Get rid of chairs that swivel.
4. MODEST BATHROOM UPGRADES: Use non-slip items in the bathroom. Put non-slip strips or a
   rubber mat on the floor of your bathtub or shower. Add a tub rail, grab bars, elevated toilet seat and/or bath seat.
5. HANDRAIL HABITS: Get consistent with using the handrails on your stairs. When you carry
   something up or down the stairs, hold the item in one
   hand and use the handrail with the other.
6. LIGHTING:
   • Make sure you have enough lighting in each room, on stairs, hallways,
     at entrances, and on outdoor walkways.
   • Lamps and lighting should be of great intensity or power, so that dangers are clearly illuminated and seen. Use light bulbs that
     have the highest wattage recommended for the fixture.
   • Place a lamp next to your bed along with night lights in
     the bathroom, hallways, and kitchen.
   • Keep a flashlight by
     your bed in case the power goes out and you need to get
     up at night.
7. CARPETS: Secure carpets to the floor and stairs. Use non-slip rugs, or
   attach rugs to the floor with double-sided tape.
8. FLOORS: Avoid wet floors, and clean up spills right away. Use only
   non-skid wax on your waxed floors.
9. SHOES: Wear rubber-soled, low-heeled shoes that fully support
   your feet. Wearing only socks or shoes/slippers with
   smooth soles on stairs or floors without carpet can
   be unsafe. Assess the gripping nature of rubber-soled shoes, which may be a tripping hazard because they sometimes ‘catch’ on the floor.
10. EYES & EARS: Have your eyes and hearing tested often. Always
    wear your glasses when you need them. If you have
    a hearing aid, be sure it fits well, and wear it.
11. MEDICATION: Find out about the side effects of any medicine you
    take. If a drug makes you sleepy, slow or dizzy, tell your
    doctor or pharmacist. (See the article, “Beware of Common Anticholinergic Drugs“)
12. SLEEP: Get enough sleep. If you’re sleepy, you’re more
    likely to fall.
13. ALCOHOL: Limit the amount of alcohol you drink. Even a small
    amount can affect balance and reflexes.
14. KEEP ON MOVING:
    • Stay physically active.
    • Light exercise to increase lower-body strength, as well as simple balance
      exercises, can help prevent falls.
    • Consider assisted devices when walking alone becomes unsafe, like a cane, walker or wheelchair.
    • Weight-bearing activities, such as walking or
      climbing stairs, may slow bone loss from osteoporosis.
    • Stand up slowly after eating, lying down, or sitting.
      Getting up too quickly can cause your blood pressure
      to drop, which can make you feel faint.

Falls are a major, yet preventable, threat to the independence and health of older adults, especially those living with dementia.

With the 14 fall prevention tips above, family members can reduce the risk of falls and make a huge difference in the life of their loved one.

SOURCES:

• Lewy Body Dementia Association
• National Institute on Aging
• National Institutes of Health
• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services