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We have not authored a “fall focused” senior living and memory care blog post since September of 2022. The risk of injury to our assisted living and memory care seniors increases in the fall and winter season. So, let’s revisit the topic in the interest of getting everyone focused upon the safety and welfare of our loved ones. Before we go on, realize that for any assisted living or memory care-related question, know that we offer both senior assisted living services, memory care support services, and that we gladly share our wealth of experience and advice to all of you reading this. OK, now on to senior fall risks and how to prevent them.

According to the CDC, 33% of adults age 65 or older will experience a fall this year. For older adults, falls can cause very serious injuries like head trauma, internal bleeding, or hip fractures. These slips or tumbles are the leading cause for fatal and nonfatal injuries in older adults. Even though a third of older adults experience a fall, less than half of those people will consult their primary care provider about it.

There are a few ways to minimize the risk of falls and fall-related injuries. What is most important is talking to your primary care provider to review your current medications as well as health conditions that may be affecting your balance or coordination.

Wear shoes that are comfortable as well as easy to walk in. They should be the proper size for your feet and should include non-slip tread on the bottom. High heels, loose sandals, or shoes with little or no tread are dangerous footwear options. Shoes that are laced up with nonskid soles are recommended to avoid falling.

Exercising regularly will help sustain and improve reflexes and balance. Swimming or walking in a pool is another activity that is easy on the joints but also helps improve leg strength.

Some ear and eye conditions can increase the possibility of a person experiencing a fall. Make note of any dizziness or pain you feel when you are walking as well as any numbness or shortness of breath. These details will help you and your doctor create a plan of prevention.

Since most falls occur at home, preventing in home falls is one of the most crucial parts of fall prevention. Hazardous furniture, rugs or other items around your home can cause a trip or fall. Be sure to remove or properly secure objects such as boxes, space rugs, electrical cords, and phone cords from high traffic areas. Furniture that is close to the ground such as coffee tables, nightstands, or plant stands can cause one to fall. Your bathroom should utilize assistance devices such as hand bars in the shower or tub as well as a seat with arm rests on the toilet. This will make getting in and out of the bathroom much easier. Putting a properly secured bathroom tile rug as well as a bathmat within the tub or shower is critically important.

Make sure that your bed is not too low or too high on the ground to avoid falling out of bed or experiencing trouble getting up. Couches and lounge chairs should also not be too close to the ground, as this may be a hazard when you get up. Install handrails for both sides of the staircase in your home, if needed, and keep your staircase illuminated at night.

At Gateway Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care in Winder, GA, we know caring for a senior loved one brings joys and challenges. Our mission is to change the way the world ages. We provide seniors with quality care that enables them to live happier and healthier lives. Our services are distinguished by the caliber of our caregivers, the responsiveness of our staff and our expertise in Live-In care. We embrace a positive, balanced approach to aging centered on the evolving needs of older adults. For more information, contact us here at Gateway Gardens anytime!