Fall prevention for the elderly

[Lamb]

What things can be done to help prevent the elderly from falling?

 

[tango]

Railings and handles help in areas most obviously associated with falls (stairs, bathtubs etc). Depending how vulnerable someone is it might be prudent to move to a house that has no stairs.

Beyond that it's hard to say, if someone is very unsteady on their feet it might be best for them to use a walking stick or a walking frame.

 

[Lamb]

I think part of the problem sometimes is that they forget that they need their walker or cane and then their balance goes wonky and down they go.

 

[tango]

I think part of the problem sometimes is that they forget that they need their walker or cane and then their balance goes wonky and down they go.

Possibly, although at that point maybe it is time to be considering some form of assisted living.

If someone isn't ready to accept they need mobility aids it can be difficult to get them to accept their potential usefulness, and in that situation it's unlikely they will consider assisted living. If someone knows they need the aids but forgets to use them that suggests a more pressing need for some kind of assistance.

 

[Lamb]

Possibly, although at that point maybe it is time to be considering some form of assisted living.

If someone isn't ready to accept they need mobility aids it can be difficult to get them to accept their potential usefulness, and in that situation it's unlikely they will consider assisted living. If someone knows they need the aids but forgets to use them that suggests a more pressing need for some kind of assistance.

Falls still happen at assisted living facilities. A dear friend just went into one and within the first 24 hours fell and had to be hospitalized

 

[tango]

Falls still happen at assisted living facilities. A dear friend just went into one and within the first 24 hours fell and had to be hospitalized

They still happen, assisted living doesn't mean a magical way to make sure you never fall. It's just that with some level of assistance you're more likely to have help on hand if you need it, and hopefully have a living place that's designed to make it as easy as possible to navigate without tripping hazards.

 

[Forgiven1]

Rugs need to go as do cords stretched across an area. Change out the toilets to the higher seats too.

 

[Lamb]

Rugs need to go as do cords stretched across an area. Change out the toilets to the higher seats too.

Oh yes, the toilet seats!! We have one high boy in the master bathroom, but it's upstairs.

 

[Mercury]

What things can be done to help prevent the elderly from falling?

Otago classes are the answer. A routine of specific exercises that build muscle strength in legs and ankles.

Otago Exercise Programme

Original Editor - Lauren Lopez Top Contributors - Gabriele Dara, Kim Jackson, Lucinda hampton, Lauren Lopez, Wendy Walker, Rucha Gadgil, Tony Lowe, Vidya Acharya, Tolulope Adeniji and Aminat Abolade

www.physio-pedia.com

 

[Lamb]

Otago classes are the answer. A routine of specific exercises that build muscle strength in legs and ankles.

Otago Exercise Programme

Original Editor - Lauren Lopez Top Contributors - Gabriele Dara, Kim Jackson, Lucinda hampton, Lauren Lopez, Wendy Walker, Rucha Gadgil, Tony Lowe, Vidya Acharya, Tolulope Adeniji and Aminat Abolade

www.physio-pedia.com

I've never heard of that.

 

[Mercury]

I hadn't either until we arranged some wellness classes for a sports/social club I help run. It's very good and has a high success rate.
My audience were 70-94 yr olds