Steps you can take to help prevent falls in the home

It’s a snowy winter day and you have just left your elderly father after a nice visit. He lives alone, but you are heartened that he is safe and warm, with food in the refrigerator and his favorite shows on TV. As a sandwich generation caregiver, you have done your best to honor Dad’s wish to stay in his own home. So far, it has worked out well.

Then, the unexpected happens. The wind picks up and the power goes out. Dad gets up from his chair and walks through his dark house to find a flashlight. Suddenly, he trips over a chair and falls to the floor, unable to move or reach a phone. You find him, post-storm, many hours later. 

This incident actually occurred last winter to someone known to our agency, and illustrates a scenario that happens far too often with the elderly, particularly those who live alone at home.

According to the National Council on Aging, falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans. One-fourth of Americans over the age of 65 falls each year. Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall, and every 19 minutes an older adult dies from a fall.

However, falling is not an inevitable result of aging. With lifestyle adjustments and participation in community-based falls-prevention programs, falls among seniors can be substantially reduced.

To “fall-proof” a home, start by doing a room-to-room walk-through safety assessment of the home. Then:

•             Eliminate clutter.

•             Repair or remove tripping hazards, such as scatter rugs.

•             Install grab bars and handrails near tubs/showers, toilets and beds.

•             Make tubs and showers non-slip.

•             Ensure all areas in the home are well lit; install a night-light in the bathroom.

•             Create a setup that minimizes climbing stairs. 

•             Make sure stairs have handrails on both sides.

In addition, make sure seniors have shoes that fit properly, and that they avoid wearing loose-fitting clothes.

Also enlist their participation in taking steps to stay safe. Ask if they are concerned about falling and why. Observe if they seem to have difficulty walking or are off balance, and ask when they had their last eye exam. Review their medications and health conditions.  All this information will give you some direction about the resources necessary to help your loved one stay safe. For example, it may be time to find a physical therapist, doctors and a pharmacist who will work with you to implement a fall-prevention plan for your senior.

In addition, there are several community-based programs designed to prevent seniors from falling by incorporating gait and balance exercises into workouts. Some of the newest ones, such as “A Matter of Balance, Moving for Better Balance and FallScape,” may be available at your local JCC, YMCA, YWCA, senior center or hospital wellness program.

The Phyllis Siperstein Tamarisk Assisted Living Residence, in Warwick, is part of a national falls prevention exercise network called “Stay Active and Independent for Life.” SAIL is offered three times a week and includes Tai Chi for Arthritis, Tap n’Time and Yoga for Seniors.

Remember, most falls can be prevented. If you have an aging parent, grandparent or neighbor in your life, helping them reduce their risk of falling is one of the greatest gifts you can give them.

If you have questions about accessing these programs or would like more information on preventing falls, please call Jewish Seniors Agency Rhode Island at 401-351-4750.

SUSAN BAZAR (sbazar@jsari.org) is executive director of the Jewish Seniors Agency of R.I.