About 1 in 10 nursing home falls results in serious injury. Between 2%-6% of nursing home falls result in some type of fracture. On average, a nursing home with 100 residents reports about 100-200 falls yearly, according to recent studies.
So why does this happen so frequently, and what can someone or a care home do in order to make sure that falls can be avoided as much as possible.
Why are elderly people more likely to fall?
There are several factors that can contribute to making an elderly person more prone to falling. Some of the most common factors include:
- Reduced mobility and balance: As we age, our muscles and bones become weaker and our sense of balance may decline, making it more difficult to maintain stability when walking or standing.
- Chronic health conditions: Certain health conditions such as arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, and vision problems can increase the risk of falling in older adults.
- Medications: Some medications can cause dizziness or drowsiness, which can increase the risk of falling.
- Environmental hazards: Slippery floors, poor lighting, and obstacles in walkways can all contribute to falls.
- Cognitive impairment: Older adults with dementia or other cognitive impairments may be more prone to falling due to difficulties with balance and coordination.
- Inactivity: A lack of physical activity and exercise can weaken muscles and decrease balance, making an elderly person more susceptible to falling.
It’s important to note that each person’s risk factors may vary depending on their individual health status and circumstances, and falls can have serious consequences for older adults, including fractures and head injuries. Therefore, it’s important to take steps to prevent falls, such as staying active, removing hazards from the environment, and working with healthcare professionals to manage chronic health conditions and medications.
What can be done to prevent falls for the elderly?
There are several steps that can be taken in a care home to help reduce the risk of falls for the elderly. Some of these include:
- Regular assessments: Regular assessments of residents’ mobility, balance, and risk of falling can help identify those who are most at risk and ensure that appropriate interventions are in place.
- Environmental modifications: Making modifications to the physical environment, such as removing tripping hazards, improving lighting, and installing handrails and grab bars can help reduce the risk of falls.
- Staff training: Staff members should be trained on how to identify and manage fall risks, as well as how to assist residents with mobility and transfers.
- Exercise programs: Implementing exercise programs, such as strength training and balance exercises, can help improve residents’ mobility and reduce the risk of falls.
- Medication management: Ensuring that residents are on appropriate medications and monitoring for potential side effects, such as dizziness or drowsiness, can help reduce the risk of falls.
- Assistive devices: Providing residents with appropriate assistive devices, such as walkers or canes, can help improve mobility and reduce the risk of falls.
- Communication: Encouraging open communication between staff, residents, and families can help identify and address fall risks in a timely manner.
It’s important to note that reducing the risk of falls in a care home requires a multidisciplinary approach and may involve input from healthcare professionals, staff members, and family members.
Why are Environmental Modifications so important when it comes to preventing elderly falls?
Environmental modifications are an important aspect of fall prevention in care homes. Making modifications to the physical environment can help reduce tripping hazards and improve the safety of the living space. Here are some specific examples of environmental modifications that can help reduce the risk of falls in a care home:
- Removing tripping hazards: Any items that can cause residents to trip or stumble, such as loose rugs or electrical cords, should be removed or secured.
- Improving lighting: Adequate lighting is essential to help residents navigate the living space safely. Ensuring that there is sufficient lighting in all areas, including hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms, can help reduce the risk of falls.
- Installing handrails and grab bars: Handrails and grab bars provide support and stability for residents and can help prevent falls. They should be installed in key areas such as bathrooms, bedrooms, and along stairs.
- Ensuring proper flooring: Flooring that is uneven, slippery, or worn can increase the risk of falls. Ensuring that flooring is even, slip-resistant, and in good condition can help reduce the risk of falls.
- Arranging furniture: Furniture should be arranged in a way that allows for easy navigation and does not create obstacles or barriers for residents.
These are just a few examples of environmental modifications that can help reduce the risk of falls in a care home. Each care home should conduct a thorough assessment of the living space to identify potential fall risks and take appropriate action to address them.
