According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of injuries among local seniors here in Rochester, NY. Taking steps to boost senior balance and reduce environmental hazards could literally save a senior's life.
Here, emergency rooms are full of seniors who've fallen. Sadly, many of these incidents were preventable. The reality is that falls are not a normal part of aging safely in community settings.
Interested in learning more about elderly fall prevention? Read on for information on the essential senior safety topic.
Once a senior falls, the next one is more likely. Sometimes, the injuries cause mobility problems, but there are behavioral consequences sometimes too. Effective elderly fall prevention is key to senior wellness.
One of the worst things about falls is the subsequent loss of independence. After a fall, seniors often withdraw from social life and stop exercising. They're afraid to fall again, but, ironically, this lifestyle actually increases the risk of another fall.
When seniors don't get out to stretch their legs, the muscles get weaker. They end up with poor balance and strength because of muscle loss. The best way to protect seniors is to reduce the chances of the initial fall.
Seniors who have fallen need to be encouraged to get active again after they've recovered from a fall.
In New York, there are many deaths and daily ER visits because of falls. Don't let a senior you love become a part of this statistic. Here are some workable assisted living precautions to take.
Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to prevent falls. It may sound counterintuitive - if you're unsteady, why risk moving more? But research shows that building muscle strength and practicing balance pays off.
Strength exercises (like weight lifting or resistance band workouts) provide the leg and core required for reliable resilience to falling.
Balance exercises are also beneficial, for example, you could work on things like:
All these activities can directly improve stability and coordination.
Keeping walkways clear is one of the simplest and most effective ways to prevent falls. A tidy, obstacle-free path makes daily movement safer.
These small steps create safer paths throughout the home and reduce everyday risks.
Aging eyes need more light to stay safe, especially at night. Proper lighting reduces the risk of missing steps or tripping in dim areas and helps immensely for memory care mobility support.
Good lighting not only prevents falls but also makes the home feel more comfortable and welcoming.
Simple safety features in common areas can drastically reduce accidents. Older homes in Rochester often have stairs and bathrooms that need serious safety upgrades.
The New York State Department of Health notes that falls are a leading cause of hospitalizations and deaths for older adults in Rochester and across the state. Installing safety aids provides peace of mind and lets seniors maintain their independence at home.
Floors play a key role in fall safety. A lot of falls happen because of smooth surfaces, which can be hazardous if wet or poorly maintained.
Attending to flooring details helps prevent sudden slips and makes daily routines safer.
What you wear on your feet and what you see both play huge roles in balance and stability. Paying attention to shoes and vision health helps prevent unnecessary missteps.
Safe footwear and clear vision are simple but powerful ways to keep your footing consistently.
Certain medical conditions and prescription side effects can increase fall risk. Being proactive with your healthcare team helps reduce those dangers.
The National Institute on Aging emphasizes that combining medical checkups with exercise, vision care, and home modifications offers the most effective risk reduction strategies.
Overall, the most important things are to stay physically strong, make sure your environment is safe for seniors, and take care of health issues that affect balance. Seniors should never be embarrassed to use supports like a cane or walker, as they help maintain independence for longer.
At The Landing of Brighton, resident autonomy and elderly fall prevention go hand in hand. With features like handrails, step-free showers, and staff available 24 hours a day, our Rochester senior living community was carefully planned to minimize the risk of falls.
Contact us today for a tour and see how we prioritize safety while maintaining a vibrant, active lifestyle for our seniors.