Tips to Prevent Trips

By Denise Taylor, RN, BSW

The second leading cause of accidental death in the United States is falls. Those who fall are usually seniors, with resulting health care and rehab bills over $70 billion annually. One third of older adults who fall and fracture a hip die within a year. Knowing what causes falls can prevent them.

The fear of falling can become a cycle which leads to loss of self-confidence, then inactivity and physical weakness, decreasing the quality of life and further increasing the risk of falling. This cycle of fear includes the fear of not getting up. Individuals should rehearse getting up from the floor before an accident actually occurs.

Inactive seniors should be examined by a physician to determine potential limitations. Activities that the person enjoys such as gardening, water aerobics and walking are good for maintaining activity levels, balance and self-confidence.

Although there is the stigma of old age associated with the use of a cane or walker, these devices may prevent a fall. Canes and walkers should be properly fitted and the user must learn proper manipulation of the device to prevent falling.

Yearly eye exams are crucial to preventing falls. Visual acuity decreases with age. Depth perception may also be affected. Stairs and curbs are significant risk factors when declining depth perception is involved. A person should pause for a second to allow their eyes to adjust when moving from light to dark areas and vice versa. Sometimes a new eyeglass prescription alters the visual field and the individual may need time to adjust. Clean eyeglasses and adequate lighting can help prevent falls.

We are oriented by sound. Hazardous situations may be avoided if someone can hear what is happening around them. Hearing exams are highly recommended for this reason. Keep in mind that dizziness can occur with hearing loss.

An increased risk of falling occurs when foot pain changes the normal alignment of the body. Greater than 75 percent of seniors experience foot pain from multiple sources such as corns, bunions, thin heel pads and overgrown toenails. Sometimes there is a decreased sensation in the feet, especially with diabetes. Feet need inspection and care along with properly fitting shoes and non-skid slippers.

Medications can cause low blood pressure, dizziness and drowsiness. A person is especially vulnerable to falls when getting up from a chair and dizziness occurs. People should pause to allow blood pressure to adjust to standing. Contact your physician if these medication side effects are encountered.

Another cause of tripping is the gradual decline of balance abilities. There are muscles in the legs, which enable the ankles and toes to work together. As we age, these muscles may become a little bit off in their timing causing toe clearance to be off enough to catch a toe on the floor. The speed of a person’s gait may decrease causing them to hurry in order to walk faster. Exercise and staying active can help maintain balance and gait.

External factors causing falls can be eliminated, inside and out. We all have cognitive maps of our surroundings; therefore older adults should not rearrange furniture unless it’s causing a hazard. Pathways and floors should be kept as clear as possible. Throw rugs should be eliminated or taped down. Spills on the floor need immediate attention. Add bright tape stripes to the edges of stairs. In bathrooms, have grab bars professionally installed. The use of nightlights, flashlights and easy to reach phones are helpful.

Outdoors, develop a plan ahead of time for removal of snow and ice. Repairing uneven sidewalks and adding lighting also helps. Be aware that gravel, leaves, debris and a lack of handrails can add to the chances of a fall, while pets can get underfoot at any time.

At Visiting Angels, an RN can visit to make recommendations if you would like to discuss safety issues. Caregivers at Visiting Angels have participated in a Fall Prevention Program as part of their in-service training. Having the service of a Visiting Angels caregiver could very well prevent that one life-altering fall. Call us to hear how we can help save you or your loved one from such a fall.

Share this article

About Denise Taylor, RN, BSW

Denise Taylor is a Registered Nurse and is currently the Administrator of the Visiting Angels office in Vienna, Virginia. She is also the coordinator for Medicaid clients. Mrs. Taylor received her RN at age 19 and gained extensive hospital nursing experience at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York and the Berlin Army Hospital in Germany before taking a sabbatical to raise three children. At age 48 she returned to school and earned a Bachelor of Social Work degree from George Mason University.

Mrs. Taylor has special interests in end of life issues. She is an Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) Qualified Dementia Care Provider. While working as a social work intern for Mary Washington Hospice in Fredericksburg, VA, she experienced first-hand the desire that seniors have to age in place. Since then, her goal has been to enhance the lives of seniors by facilitating care in the home whenever possible.

Download Article PDF

Download Article PDF