Fall Prevention Systems for Seniors in Marion, OH

According to the CDC, avoiding falls in seniors is vital because. Falls are the leading cause of death from injury for adults over 65. Balance support for seniors and fall prevention systems are necessary to counteract the slow increase of weakness and frailty that comes with aging.

But, there's good news. By following some simple senior safety tips, seniors in Marion, OH, can dramatically reduce the chances of a fall. Are you interested in learning more about this crucial aspect of home and assisted living safety? Read on for more information on this crucial senior wellness topic.

More Than Just Pain: Why Fall Prevention Systems are Essential

The initial pain of a fall is often the most dramatic part, but a fall causes much more harm than that initial pain. A subsequent trip to the emergency room is often necessary, particularly if there's a suspected head injury.

Injuries from a fall are sometimes inside the body, so there might not be much visible evidence. Senior caregivers can't afford to take chances, so even a minor fall often results in hours in the doctor's waiting room.

In the case of a head injury, doctors might be cautious and recommend an overnight stay for observation. Clearly, fall prevention systems don't just help you avoid pain; they keep you from wasting an afternoon at the emergency room.

The Psychological Impact of Falling

The damage from a fall goes beyond the physical. Often, it's the emotional impact of the fall that causes the most harm. In some cases, the mental health fallout can increase the chances of another fall.

How can this be? According to Hanne Dolan and Ruth Taylor-Piliae, seniors who fall can sometimes become anxious and paranoid about repeating the experience. Some feel embarrassed by their lack of strength or independence, and others simply don't want to experience the pain of falling again.

Whatever the motivation, seniors who are anxious about falling tend to isolate themselves. Their fear drives them to avoid social visits and activities. Since social interaction and exercise are cornerstones of senior health, their condition starts to decline.

When they do finally venture outside, they might have weaker legs or impaired balance. Seniors in this position might benefit from mobility aids or moving into a supportive community.

Mobility Aids for Seniors: Preventing Falls

If a senior is struggling to bounce back after an accident, they could benefit from a mobility aid. These fall prevention devices are great for Ohio seniors because:

• Recovery aid: Seniors who've fallen once might struggle to stay active; a mobility aid helps them get back on their feet.
• Confidence boost: Having steady support reduces fear of falling, so seniors feel safer when moving around.
• Better balance: Canes, walkers, and rollators provide extra stability for unsteady legs.
• Outdoor access: With the right aid, seniors can still enjoy walking outside, visiting parks, or shopping.
• Joint relief: Aids take pressure off hips, knees, and ankles, making movement less painful.
• Emergency prevention: By reducing slips and trips, these devices help prevent repeat accidents.

Helping Seniors Stay Safe from Falls

A simple way to cut down on fall risks is by removing clutter from living areas. A house is much safer when walkways and doorways are clear of things that could trip someone.

Family members or caregivers should frequently inspect a senior's living space to ensure it's safe and free of hazards. Items to pay attention to include:

• Shoes in walkways: Footwear left in halls is a major tripping hazard.
• Slippery floors: Water, spills, or polished surfaces can lead to sudden slips.
• Loose floorboards: Uneven or shifting boards can catch seniors out.
• Cables across floors: Extension cords or wires can easily trip someone if they're not secured.

Ensure Bathroom Safety

The bathroom is the most frequent location for seniors to trip and fall, according to Los Angeles County Public Health. The absence of adaptations for older adults in a bathroom poses a significant health hazard.

In a senior's bathroom, grab bars are indispensable safety devices. While they may look simple, correct engineering and installation are vital. To install them correctly, you must use certified safety products to anchor them into wall studs rather than just mounting a bar loosely on drywall.

Medication Risks

In older adults, medications are a significant risk factor for falls. But you can take action.

Keeping a thorough record of all prescription drugs, over-the-counter items, and supplements is the first step. When seniors change their dose or add a new medicine, they should ask their doctor or pharmacist to look over everything to make sure it is safe.

They can also advise about any potential side effects that could increase fall risk.

Some drug classes are especially risky:

• Benzodiazepines: Often prescribed for anxiety or sleep, but they can cause sedation and poor coordination.
• Z-drugs: Sleep medications such as zolpidem, zopiclone, and zaleplon that may trigger drowsiness and unsteadiness.
• Opioids: Pain medications can slow reaction times and increase drowsiness.
• Blood pressure medications: Useful for health, but sudden drops in blood pressure can cause fainting or falls.
• Antipsychotics: These medications can cause instability, confusion, or tremors that lead to falls.
• Strong anticholinergics: These affect memory, attention, and muscle control, raising fall risk.

If a senior feels unsteady after starting one of these medicines, they should immediately make their environment safer by clearing hazards and improving lighting. 

Discover a Safe and Supportive Community

Here at DeWolfe Place Assisted Living, we believe in a holistic approach to senior wellness. Our fall prevention systems certainly consist of essential features like grab bars, but there's more to our approach.

We also recognize that seniors who have rich and varied interactions throughout the day are less prone to falls. So, protect our residents from falling through engaging wellness activities.

DeWolfe Place Assisted Living residents can start their day with easy exercise or explore their creative side in an art workshop.

Our events bring families and friends together. If you're interested in seeing our community-based approach for yourself, you should contact us to schedule a tour.