Did you know that one-fourth of all Americans aged 65 and older suffer a fall every year? According to the CDC, these falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults.
Most falls occur at home due to small, compounding risks such as dim lighting or slippery flooring. Fall prevention addresses these different factors and eliminates the risk associated with them. That way, seniors can maintain the mobility they need to enjoy the scenic city parks Glendale has to offer.
Here's everything you need to know about fall prevention devices for seniors.
Everyone takes their mobility for granted until they start having problems of their own. Poor mobility gets in the way of living independently and staying social.
Seniors who struggle to get around may socially withdraw due to embarrassment about their situation. They may not want to rely on others to get around or make excuses not to visit friends or family.
Moving into an independent living community is one way for seniors to regain some of that independence. Many communities offer fitness programs designed for seniors of all mobility levels. They encourage socialization through groups and classes with other seniors.
Mobility aids for seniors offer the best way for them to stay safe, whether at home or on the go. These include tools such as canes, walkers, and wheelchairs.
These devices are simple and often light, which makes them versatile options for seniors. Canes are great for slight steadiness or one weak side. You can change up the base for more stability and grip.
Walkers offer maximum stability indoors. Some of them have two wheels on the front for easier movement.
Rollators are like walkers, except they have four wheels and a seat. They also often have hand brakes and baskets to carry small items.
Wheelchairs are useful for longer outings or recovery periods. They come in manual models as well as electric ones.
Alternatively, seniors who have trouble walking can also opt for a mobility scooter. These are motorized and offer better outdoor movement.
The safest area for a senior should always be their home. However, not all homes are outfitted with the same accessibility features.
Features like grab bars, transfer poles, and stability handrails can do a lot in improving mobility and decreasing fall risk. Non-slip surfaces also help prevent skids.
The bathroom is arguably the highest-risk room in the house. However, there are many ways you can make it a safer space.
First, add shower chairs or transfer benches. A backrest and armrest add stability. Transfer benches allow seniors to sit before lifting their legs into a tub-shower combo.
Raised toilet seats with arms make standing easier. A sturdy frame helps if the toilet isn't anchored well.
Motion-activated nightlights make the path from the bed to the bathroom easier to navigate. Soft, indirect lighting preserves night vision while preventing missteps.
In the bedroom, bed rails or assist handles help seniors get out of bed. It's important to choose rails that prevent entrapment. As for the living room, lift recliners help with sit-to-stand transitions if their hips or knees are painful.
Prioritize consistent, even lighting throughout the house or apartment. Replace burned-out bulbs and consider brighter, warm-white LEDs.
Tape down cords and remove small rugs. On tile, use low-profile non-slip backing and beveled edges.
If carpet or entry doors create a trip hazard, try to smooth the lip with threshold ramps or beveled strips.
Install handrails any time there are stairs or even one or two steps. Extend those rails slightly past the top and bottom step for secure hand placement.
For homes with step entries, modular aluminum ramps or threshold ramps make walker and wheelchair access safer. If you can afford it, you can also install a stair lift for maximum safety.
Seniors have access to certain wearables and smart tech that can help protect them in case of a fall.
Personal emergency response systems connect to 24/7 help at a moment's notice. They often take the form of pendants or wrist buttons you can press. Some auto-detect falls and call if you're unable to hit the button.
Smartwatches also usually come with fall detection. They can track heart rate and prompt hydration reminders during hot Glendale months.
Seniors have the option to use voice assistants and smart plugs to control lights without crossing dark rooms. They can set schedules for lamps to turn on at specific hours. Homeowners can also use them to call for emergency services if needed.
Avoiding falls in seniors means taking on certain daily habits.
For example, choose supportive, closed-heel shoes with tread for the best underfoot traction. Avoid floppy slippers and slick soles.
Some prescriptions can increase dizziness or drop blood pressure on standing. A periodic review may reduce fall risk.
Gentle exercises complement devices for increasing balance support. Focus on sit-to-stand repetitions, heel-to-toe walking along a counter, and ankle pumps.
Home safety is done in stages. You can use the following as a checklist to assess if your home needs any changes or updates:
The kind of fall prevention devices you need will depend on your own individual needs and preferences.
Fall prevention devices take a lot of shapes and forms for seniors. Some older adults can make do with grab bars in the bathrooms, while others need walkers or wheelchairs. There's no shame in getting the help you need to live your life to the fullest.
Westgate Village is an independent senior living community located in Glendale, AZ. Our community amenities include an exclusive library, a business center, and pet-friendly areas. Reach out today with any questions about our neighborhood and lifestyle services.