As we get older, it is natural to become a little less steady on our feet. Falls can happen for many reasons, from changes in strength and balance to medication side effects or simple hazards around the home.
Although a fall can be frightening, there are plenty of practical steps that can help reduce the risk. From staying active and hydrated to making small changes around the home, the right support can help you or a loved one feel safer and more confident when moving around.
What causes falls in older people?
Many factors can increase the likelihood of a fall. Sometimes the cause may be something as simple as a loose rug or slippery floor, while in other cases changes in health, mobility, or medication may play a part.
Common risk factors include:
- Muscle weakness
- Poor balance
- Reduced bone strength
- Visual impairment
- Hearing loss
- Dehydration
- Side effects of medication
- Environmental hazards, such as loose carpets or slippery floors
- Medical conditions such as dementia or the effects of a stroke
If you or a loved one has recently experienced a fall, it is important to seek appropriate medical advice, particularly if there may be an injury or a new health concern.
Your GP or another healthcare professional may also be able to assess balance, mobility, medication and other factors that could be contributing to repeated falls.
What are the risks of a fall?
A fall may result in little more than a fright, but for an older person it can also lead to more serious injuries and a loss of confidence.
Breaks and fractures
Bone strength can reduce as we age, and conditions such as osteoporosis become more common. This can make fractures more likely following a fall, even when the fall itself does not initially appear severe.
Hip fractures can be particularly serious and may require a lengthy period of treatment and rehabilitation.
Bruising and skin injuries
Skin naturally becomes thinner and more delicate with age, which can make bruising and other injuries more noticeable after a fall.
Even where no bones are broken, it is worth keeping an eye on pain, swelling or bruising and seeking medical advice where there are concerns.
Being unable to get back up
For someone who lives alone, one of the biggest concerns following a fall can be being unable to get back onto their feet.
A person may remain on the floor for some time before they can reach help, particularly if they are injured, do not have a phone nearby or cannot reach an alarm.
Loss of confidence and independence
The effects of a fall are not always physical. A frightening experience can leave someone worried about falling again, making them more reluctant to walk around the home, go outside or continue activities they previously enjoyed.
This can create a difficult cycle. Moving less may gradually reduce strength and confidence, potentially making everyday activities feel even more challenging.
Why is avoiding falls important for older people?
Falls are a common cause of injury among people over the age of 65 and can have a significant impact on independence and quality of life.
Following a fall, some people become less confident about moving around or leaving the house. Pain, anxiety and reduced activity may then make it harder to return to familiar routines.
Preventing falls is therefore not simply about avoiding injury. It is also about helping an older person remain active, confident and independent for as long as possible.
How to help prevent falls
There is no single way to prevent every fall, but taking care of general health and removing avoidable risks can make everyday movement safer.
Eat well and stay hydrated
Not eating or drinking enough can sometimes contribute to weakness, light-headedness or dizziness.
Regular meals, nutritious snacks and drinking enough throughout the day can help support energy and general wellbeing. If a loved one regularly feels dizzy or light-headed, it is important to discuss this with a healthcare professional rather than assuming dehydration is the only cause.
Keep active
Regular movement can help maintain strength, balance and confidence.
This does not have to mean strenuous exercise. Gentle activities such as walking, chair-based exercises or appropriate strength and balance exercises may all help someone remain active
The right activity will depend on the person’s health and mobility, so seek professional advice where necessary before beginning a new exercise routine.
Keep on top of eye tests
Changes in vision can make it harder to judge distances, navigate steps or spot hazards around the home.
Regular eye tests can help identify changes and ensure glasses prescriptions remain suitable. Older adults are generally advised to have their eyes tested at least every two years, or more frequently where recommended by an optometrist.
Review medication
Some medicines can cause side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness or weakness, which may increase the risk of a fall.
If you or a loved one is experiencing new symptoms or has started falling more frequently, ask a GP or pharmacist whether a medication review may be appropriate. Do not stop or change prescribed medication without professional advice.
Choose suitable clothing and footwear
Poorly fitting shoes, slippery soles and clothing that trails around the feet can all make falls more likely.
Choose supportive, well-fitting footwear with good grip. Slippers should also fit securely, and long trousers, skirts or dressing gowns should not drag along the floor.
Making the home safer
Simple changes around the home can also make a big difference.
Consider:
- Removing clutter: Keep floors and walkways clear and tidy trailing wires.
- Checking flooring: Repair loose carpets and use suitable non-slip surfaces where needed.
- Improving lighting: Make sure rooms, hallways and staircases are well lit.
- Installing support: Handrails and grab rails may make stairs, bathrooms and other areas easier to navigate.
- Keeping everyday items within reach: Avoid the need to climb onto stools or stretch for frequently used belongings.
- Cleaning spills quickly: Wet floors can quickly become a slipping hazard.
- Using suitable walking aids: Make sure any recommended walking stick, frame or other mobility aid is used correctly.
- Considering ground-floor living: Where stairs are becoming particularly difficult, moving essential parts of the daily routine onto one floor may help.
- Moving at a comfortable pace: Rushing or becoming distracted can make accidents more likely, so encourage plenty of time for moving around safely.
- Preparing for winter weather: Rock salt and other appropriate precautions can make outdoor paths and driveways safer during icy conditions.
- Using a personal alarm: An alarm can provide additional reassurance for someone who lives alone or is worried about being unable to call for help after a fall.
Looking after foot health can also make walking more comfortable and secure. Keep nails appropriately trimmed and seek advice from a podiatrist or other healthcare professional if foot pain or other problems begin affecting mobility.
How to talk to a loved one about their risk of falling
Talking about falls can be difficult, particularly if your loved one is worried that accepting help will mean losing their independence.
Try to begin with a conversation rather than a list of things they should change. Ask whether they have recently felt unsteady, whether there are parts of the home they find difficult to navigate or whether they are avoiding activities because they are worried about falling.
Listening to their concerns can help you make practical changes together. This might mean rearranging commonly used items, improving lighting, arranging an eye test or simply finding a little extra help with tasks that no longer feel safe.
The aim should be to help your loved one feel more confident and independent, rather than taking control away from them.
Home care as a safe option
At Trinity Homecare, we believe that getting help to do things you’re unable to do safely on your own is the best way to prevent falls.
Falls are a significant concern for older people, particularly where mobility, strength or balance are affected. Recent research involving 1,700 care homes found a fall incidence rate of 1,249 falls per 1,000 residents per year, highlighting the importance of identifying individual risk factors and putting appropriate preventative measures in place.
Home care can provide additional support with everyday activities that may otherwise increase the risk of a fall, such as moving around the home, bathing, dressing and preparing meals. A carer can also help identify changes in mobility or confidence and ensure agreed falls-prevention measures are followed consistently.
Live-in care may not be the best-suited option for you or your loved one, which is why we are pleased to provide a broad range of services, tailored to suit your needs. Whether you are looking for a trusted carer to visit once or twice a week for reassurance, or full-time live-in care, we are here to offer both physical and emotional support.
Book a care needs assessment
Home care includes both visiting care and live-in care and can be personalised to suit your elderly loved ones’ individual needs and schedules. Whether they require extra support for a few hours a week or need daily care, there are options available for everyone.
Finding out the appropriate care solution is important if your loved one requires extra support in their home. Home carers can not only be there for your elderly relative to assist with trickier everyday tasks, but they can also spot any signs of unsteadiness or risk of falling.
For more information on how home care can help in preventing slips, trips and falls at home, check out our handy article on home care services explained.
If you are thinking about home care for your elderly loved one, contact us to discuss your options. We offer a free, no-obligation enquiry service, including a free at-home care needs assessment. This allows us to fully understand your loved one’s needs and wishes before you make any decisions about care.
