We don’t want to think about it, but the number one cause of death in older adults is falling. Statistically, within the first year of a fall that results in a hip fracture, one in five people pass away; fewer than one-third return to a pre-fall level of health and activity. We want to cover the top 5 reasons for falls at home and how to prevent falls for older adults to help you protect yourself at home.
Another startling fact is that more than 90% of hip fractures are suffered because of a fall-related injury and the majority of those fractures occur in people over the age of seventy. If you live at home and are alone or if you haven’t given your home an inspection to ensure there are no fall hazards, we urge you to do so.
The caring professionals at American House MI never want an older adult to become a statistic. That’s why we’ve put together this checklist for factors that have been identified as reasons older adults suffer falls.
How To Prevent Falls For Older Adults
Balance and gait issues: Exercise and movement benefit everyone, especially as we age. When you get regular exercise, it improves your balance and gait and can possibly reduce the risk of a fall.
Chronic conditions can increase the risk of falling. Those chronic conditions can include:
- Arthritis
- Diabetes
- Parkinson’s disease
Household hazards are those that you may not even realize are a hazard. These hazards are considered “environmental” and include:
- Carpets and rugs that may be loose
- Poor lighting
- Walkers or wheelchairs that aren’t properly maintained
- Bathroom hazards including not having grab bars in the tub
Impaired vision. Most of us have some sort of poor vision as we age, which our glasses can correct. But if you don’t wear your glasses or have poor vision that has been left untreated that can impair your balance and lead to an increased risk of falls and fractures.
Living at an American House MI Community helps assure you won’t be faced with those hazards. Our onsite events and health and telehealth seminars provide insight and information to our residents to keep them as safe and free from the risk of a fall as possible.
American House was founded in 1979 to enrich the lives of seniors and their loved ones in an environment that fosters independence, compassion, quality services and meaningful relationships. We provide a wide range of senior living options, including independent living, independent living with assistance, memory care services provided by a third party, respite stays and hospice in Dearborn Heights, Farmington Hills, Rochester Hills, Sterling Heights and Westland.
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