A fall that leaves a younger person bruised can have much bigger consequences for an older adult.
Ageing can bring changes in strength, balance, vision, bones and overall health. Certain medications and medical conditions can also increase the likelihood of falling.
The result is that a fall may lead to an injury, loss of mobility or a longer period of recovery.
That makes fall prevention worth thinking about before the first serious fall happens.
Why Do Older Adults Fall?
Usually there isn't one explanation.
Risk can come from a combination of:
- Reduced muscle strength
- Balance or walking difficulties
- Poor vision
- Certain medications
- Medical conditions
- Unsafe footwear
- Poor lighting
- Loose rugs or clutter
- Slippery bathroom floors
- Stairs without appropriate support
Understanding why someone fell matters because simply telling them to “be more careful” doesn't address the underlying problem.
A Previous Fall Is Worth Paying Attention To
A fall can provide information about someone's health.
Did they trip over something?
Become dizzy?
Lose balance?
Have difficulty seeing?
Did a painful knee or hip affect the way they walked?
Have they fallen more than once?
Recurring falls deserve medical attention because there may be modifiable factors contributing to them.
How to Make the Home Safer
Some of the simplest changes happen at home.
Consider:
- Removing loose rugs and clutter from walkways
- Improving lighting
- Keeping frequently used items within easy reach
- Adding appropriate support around stairs
- Keeping bathroom floors dry
- Wearing footwear that fits securely
- Avoiding trailing electrical cables
For an older parent living alone, it's worth walking through the home specifically looking for places where a fall could happen.
Strength and Movement Matter Too
Maintaining appropriate physical activity can help preserve strength, balance and mobility as people age.
The right type and amount of exercise depends on the person's health and abilities, particularly if they already have joint, heart, neurological or other medical conditions.
A healthcare professional can advise when individual assessment is appropriate.
When Should a Fall Be Medically Assessed?
Seek medical attention after a fall if the person has sustained a significant injury, cannot bear weight normally, has severe pain, hit their head, lost consciousness or develops concerning symptoms.
Repeated falls should also be discussed with a healthcare professional even when they haven't caused a major injury.
The goal is to understand why the falls are happening, not merely treat each bruise separately.
Supporting Older Adults at Banby
Banby Specialist Hospital provides medical and specialist care for patients across different stages of life, including older adults.
Where a fall causes a bone or joint injury, Banby's orthopaedic service provides specialist assessment and appropriate treatment.