Strategies to prevent falls at home
#NOF – Fractured Neck of Femur – When I was working at a large hospital and would see that on a patient list it would make me wince in sympathy pain for that person. A hip fracture which will require surgical repair or replacement, can have life-threatening complications, and a long period of physical therapy afterwards. And often the patient would end up needing to be discharged to a nursing home, not getting to go home again.
The most common cause of hip fractures is a fall. So what things can be done to prevent falls? There are a number of strategies for fall prevention in the home.
Keep your home well-lit: Poor lighting can make it difficult to see obstacles and hazards in your path. Make sure that your home is well-lit, with bright lighting in hallways, staircases, and other areas where falls are common. Consider installing motion-sensor lights that turn on automatically when you enter a room or hallway.
Remove tripping hazards: Loose rugs, cluttered floors, and other tripping hazards can increase your risk of falls. Keep your floors clear of clutter, and remove or secure any loose rugs or carpeting with non-slip backing or double-sided tape.
Install grab bars and handrails: Installing grab bars and handrails in key areas such as staircases, bathrooms, and hallways can provide extra support and stability. Make sure that these fixtures are securely anchored and able to support your weight.
Wear supportive footwear: Wearing shoes with sturdy soles and good support can help to prevent slips and falls. Avoid wearing shoes with high heels, loose or worn-out soles, or smooth soles that can be slippery on smooth floors. Some hospitals use non-slip sicks to prevent falls among hospitalised older adults. Though a literature review[1] into their use found that they do not possess the properties of adequate footwear and the potential to spread infection. Today there are many brands of shoes designed by podiatrist, such as Bared Footwear, Frankie4 and Vionic, which could be a worthwhile investment to care for your feet and prevent falls.
Stay active: Regular exercise can help to improve balance, flexibility, and strength, reducing your risk of falls. Consider taking a class or participating in a community exercise program designed for older people. Many gyms will offer classes specifically for over 65 during the day, and you might find low cost options are your local community centre.
Get regular vision and hearing checkups: Poor vision or hearing can make it difficult to detect hazards and respond quickly to potential falls. Make sure to get regular checkups with your eye doctor and audiologist,and update your glasses or hearing aids as needed.
Now to the item that might be not so appealing but may be suggested. HipSaver Hip Protectors. Essentially underwear with large amounts of padding in to protect your hips if you fall. If you would consider you or your loved one a high risk for a fall that could facture their hip you do have this as an option.
You might like to consider a personal alarm or emergency response system: A personal alarm or emergency response system can provide an extra layer of protection in case of a fall or other emergency. It won’t prevent a fall, but could mean you get help faster if you fall and can’t get up.
By following these strategies and making your home safer and more accessible, you can help to reduce your risk of falls and maintain your independence and mobility as you age. Remember, it's never too late to take steps to prevent falls and stay safe and healthy at home.
image: older man poses during yoga exercise in garden
[1] Hartung B, Lalonde M. The use of non-slip socks to prevent falls among hospitalized older adults: A literature review. Geriatr Nurs. 2017 Sep-Oct;38(5):412-416. doi: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2017.02.002. Epub 2017 Mar 9. PMID: 28285830.