Balance and safety
In April, we had the privilege of speaking at a caregiver conference hosted by Keiro, a non-profit organization that helps older adults and their caregivers. The focus of our discussion was on fall and injury prevention. Here are some of the takeaways:
Fall Prevention starts with understanding what causes falls
Addressing Personal Factors
Regular check ups with doctors
Medication review: understand common side effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness, orthostatic hypotension, frequent urination
Regular exercise, proper hydration and nutrients
Appropriate footwear and assistive devices
Accessible phone, watch or device for fall detection and help
Addressing the Home Environment:
Bathroom: grab bars, shower chair, non-slip mats, extendable shower head
Bedroom/Living areas: remove rugs/mats, minimize cords, keep pathways clear, non-slip pads added on stairs
Lighting: night-lights in hallways and bathrooms, on any step or stair
Furniture: consider the bed, chair, and couch height
Outdoor: install handrails along outdoor steps or ramps, mark tripping hazards
Pet training
exercise is a key component in fall prevention!
If falls do occur, here are some tips on how to respond:
**When in doubt, seek medical attention! Take care of yourself too! Falls can be traumatic and stressful for the caregiver. Stay calm, breathe, and take time to recenter yourself**
References
Appeadu MK, Bordoni B. Falls and Fall Prevention in Older Adults. [Updated 2023 Jun 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560761/