FALL PREVENTION AMONG ELDERY

Well said, ‘Prevention is Better than Cure’, especially to avoid accident of fall among elderly.

Generally, it requires a combination of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and environmental changes. 

Let prevent fall-related injuries among elderly at all places, by following the suggestions below:

• Get some physical exercise. Limiting an elderly freedom to move around leads to muscle weakness and reduces physical function. Thus, inadequate of exercise can lead to weak lower limb and this increases the risk of falling. Exercise programs such as balance training, pedal cycling, sandbag strengthening and gait training can increase strength, improve static & dynamic balance, walking ability, at the same time, it reduce risk of falling.
• Be mindful of medications. Certain medicines or combinations of medicines can have side effects (drug interactions) which can lead to risk of falls such as dizziness or drowsiness. Regularly having a doctor or pharmacist to check & review all medications can help reduce risk of falling.
• Keep elderly’s vision and hearing sharp. Human vision&hearing will be affected due to aging process. Poor vision&hearing can make it harder to walk around safely. Older adults should have their eyes&ears checked every year and wear glasses/hearing aid devices with the right prescription strength.
• Environmental/lifestyle modification. Carry on regular home safety check up to ensure environment are hazard-free.

1. Remove things tripping hazards (such as papers, books, clothes, and shoes) from staircase and places where elderly walk (corridor/entrance walkway, etc.)
2. Install handrails and lights on all staircases.
3. Keep items that use often in cabinets which elderly can be reach easily without using a step stool/stepper.
4. Put grab bars inside and next to the tub/shower, next to toilet seat.
5. Raise the toilet-seat slightly for easier getting up after using the toilet.
6. Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.
7. Improve the lighting in home by adding bulbs or hang lightweight curtains/shades to reduce glare.
8. Wear shoes both inside and outside the house. Avoid going barefoot/wearing slippers.
9. Choosing appropriate walking devices (single walking cane/more stable walker/rollater/wheelchair)