Millions of older people fall every single year. According to the CDC, falls are a leading cause of injury and injury-related deaths in people 65 and older. Cognitive impairment, including dementia, leads to an increased risk of falls in older adults. Given the serious risks that falls pose, it’s important for family members and caregivers to know key fall intervention strategies for dementia patients.
How to Prevent Falls for Older Adults with Alzheimer’s Disease
The following at-home fall prevention strategies can help reduce the incidence of falls and serious injuries in older adults, especially those living with dementia.
1. Exercise Interventions
Physical activity is key to staying well at any stage in life. Staying active with exercise programs or healing through therapy with a physical or occupational therapist can help seniors manage their fall risk.
A senior-oriented exercise routine should focus on balance and muscle strength. Yoga, tai chi, and similar activities are often well-suited to older people since they have a blend of balance and strength training and are relatively easy on joints.
2. Manage All Conditions
Many older adults live with conditions that enhance their fall risk, such as dementia or low blood pressure (hypotension). Managing these conditions can mean reducing their high risk of falls.
3. Medication Management
Older adults, especially those with cognitive impairment, usually take several medications at once. Sometimes these medications can negatively interact with each other. These interactions can lead to dangerous side effects, like dizziness and confusion.
These side effects can greatly increase fall risks, making it important that seniors with cognitive impairment are carefully supervised when taking medications. This way, caregivers can note when unpleasant side effects occur or can ensure the senior takes all medications as directed.
4. Use Assistive Devices
Muscle Weakness, poor balance and gait difficulties are common causes of geriatric falls. Assistive devices can help seniors maintain balance while still maintaining a measure of independence.
Common assistive devices include:
- Mobility aids like walkers and canes
- Grab bars
- Handrails
5. Address Vision Concerns
Poor vision is a risk factor for falls. After all, it’s hard to see any potential obstacles with limited sight.
Two ways to reduce this particular risk factors are to:
- Ensure the older person in question sees a licensed professional for any eye-related concerns, so they can get corrected lenses or receive treatment for issues like cataracts.
- Improve lighting in the home, such as buying night lights or installing motion-activated lights along walkways in the home.
6. Pick the Right Footwear
People wearing ill-fitting shoes are at higher risk for falls than people with proper footwear. For older people, this means:
- Finding shoes that fit comfortably
- Are easy to get on and off
- Support good posture
7. Choose Specialized Dementia Care Facilities
In-home care strategies may not keep a dementia patient safe as the condition progresses. In these cases, the best course of action is likely to find the right assisted living or memory care community. These communities have the staff and resources necessary to help keep the person safe and maintain a good quality of life.
Find a memory care community near you.
Reducing Risk of Fall-Related Injuries at Avista
If you or a loved one lives with fear of falling, know that you are not alone. Avista Senior Living is here to help. Our courteous staff members can walk you through your senior care options, including setting up a tour at one of our memory care facilities specially designed to implement fall interventions for dementia patients.
Disclaimers: This article does not constitute professional medical advice. Please direct any and all healthcare questions to a licensed medical provider.