Senior Safety – 5 Key Signs That Your Elderly Parent Has a Significant Risk of Falling – and What to Do About It

More than one-third of people in the United States over the age of 65 fall each year, according to the CDC, and falls are now the leading cause of injury deaths in this population. The most common cause of falling is lower extremity weakness, which makes activity difficult and, unfortunately, can create a downward spiral of decreased activity leading to even further weakness and greater fall risk. Other intrinsic factors leading to increased fall risk include decreased balance, dizziness, dementia, impaired vision, as well as many disease processes. Extrinsic or environmental factors which increase fall risk include medication side-effects, tripping hazards such as slippery floors, clutter in a walkway, loose stairway handrails, thick or loose carpet, or poor lighting. The greater the number of risk factors, the higher the likelihood of falls. Education is the key to reducing this risk and keeping your senior loved ones safer at home.

How can you tell if someone has a significant risk of falling? The following 5 indicators can give you a heads-up that your senior loved one is at increased risk:

1. A history of falling at least once during the previous 6 months is the greatest fall risk factor. Besides the underlying cause of the fall, once someone falls they often develop a fear of falling again, and severely curtail their physical activities. This leads to increased weakness, which increases fall risk. Unexplained bruises may indicate undisclosed falls.
2. Lack of physical activity, which leads to osteoporosis, weakness, and decreased balance. Lower extremity weakness can be observable by difficulty getting in and out of chairs and often “plopping” down to sit. Decreased balance can be spotted by tendency to hold onto furniture when walking. Osteoporosis can actually cause bones to fracture, leading to falls as well as falls causing increased fractures of brittle bones.
3. Impaired vision. This can impact depth perception, night vision and general visual clarity.
4. Use of multiple medications. Many medications impact balance, mental clarity, and vision. Some over-the-counter medications may produce adverse effects when combined with prescription medications. Keeping track of multiple medications is difficult and frequently leads to mistakes in dosage or frequency.
5. Use of alcohol, especially in combination with medications.

Many falls can be prevented by: performing a regular, age-appropriate exercise program for strengthening and balance; reviewing all prescription and over-the-counter medications with your doctor or pharmacist; having yearly vision checks; avoiding alcohol; and modifying the home environment to lessen tripping hazards.

Before beginning an exercise program, check with your doctor for clearance. A physical therapist can give input to determine fall risk and initiate an exercise program. A sudden tendency to trip or lose ones balance could signal a serious underlying pathology and warrants immediate attention by a physician.

Senior Safety – How to Safely Climb Stairs When One Leg is Injured or Weak

Climbing stairs can be a challenge if you have had an injury or one leg is weaker. Here are a few safety pointers. I am assuming that you are able to bear full weight on both legs.

General stair safety; good ideas for all stairways:
• Clearly mark the top and bottom step with contrasting paint or tape
• Have a stable railing installed on both sides if possible.
• Keep pathways and steps clear of obstacles
• Have adequate lighting so that each step can be clearly seen.

Ascending:
Hold on to the railing and step up with the strongest leg first, and then bring the weaker leg up to the same step. An easy way to remember the sequence is up symbolizes good as in thumbs up or heaven; good legs go up first. If you use a cane, it should be held in the hand opposite the weaker leg and should be advanced simultaneously with the weaker leg. The railing should be used with the other hand to add stability. If there is only one railing, use it even if it is on the side that you would normally use your cane because it is more stable than a cane. If this technique is too difficult for you, try standing sideways facing the railing so that the stronger leg is on the up side. Hold on to the railing with both hands and slowly climb the stairs sideways, one step at a time.

Descending:
Hold on to the railing and step down first with the weaker leg, and then bring the stronger leg down to the same step. Again, an easy way to remember the process is up with the good leg and down with the bad. This way, the stronger leg is doing the work of supporting the body weight as you descend. As above, when using a cane, it should be held in the hand opposite the weaker leg and advanced simultaneously with the weaker leg. If this technique is too difficult, try the sideways descent, holding on to the railing with both hands, with the weaker leg on the down side.

If the weakness or injury is a short-lived problem, the above instructions may be enough to keep you safe on the stairs. If stair climbing continues to be a serious safety issue for you or your senior loved ones, and it is necessary to use stairs to stay in your home or access your home, another option is to install a stair lift. This device will automatically lift you up or down the stairs while you sit in a chair. A stair lift may actually be a less expensive option than modifying the downstairs or renting or buying a hospital bed for a downstairs living area. Besides standard stair lifts, there are outdoor models and also models which fit narrow stairways and can accommodate a person who is unable to flex their legs enough to fully sit on the standard model.

In any event, safety is the primary concern; I hope these stair climbing instructions will help you stay safe and independent in your home.

For more safety tips and resources to help keep seniors safe at home, visit my website at http://www.SeniorSafetyatHome.org

To Senior Safety and Independence!
Ronna

Welcome to my Senior Safety Blog!

Dear Readers,

Senior safety at home is not only about tripping over rugs or burning your fingers in the kitchen; it is about staying active physically, mentally, and emotionally as well.  It is also about being comfortable when you sit or sleep and finding ways to make difficult tasks simpler.

It seems that everywhere I go nowadays, I hear about an aunt, father or grandma who fell down at home and was found a couple of days later in pretty bad shape. 

This scenario actually happened to my dear Aunt Bernice a few years back and to my mom just last year, in both cases leading to a very sad demise. Being a physical therapist for over 30 years, I had worked with countless patients who had fallen at home, breaking a hip and/or developing horrendous tissue ulcerations. I had also worked with their families, helping to transition their moms or grandmas to a modified living situation. Many times, sadly, this meant to a nursing home for the rest of their lives. According to The National Safety Council, falls are now the most common cause of injury related deaths for seniors aged 65 and older.

Having experienced the kick-in-the-gut, wrenching pain that accompanies watching your loved ones suddenly go from healthy and active to dependent and meek, I decided to do whatever I could to prevent others from having to experience that pain. I have developed  www.SeniorSafetyatHome.org, dedicated to helping keep seniors as safe and as independent as possible in their homes.  I have added many helpful links to other sites and articles and I have carefully sifted through thousands of products and services to find the very best out there to accomplish these goals. 

I look forward to your visit at my site.  If you have any special concerns or needs, just let me know. I’ve got solutions!

To safety and well-being!

Ronna 

Senior Safety – What You Should Do When You Fall Down and 4 Things to Do Now Just in Case

 

Dear Readers,

If you have ever fallen, you know how frightening this can be and how many thoughts race through your mind. ” Did I break my hip? Did I have a stroke? Will I ever be able to walk again? Am I still going to be able to live independently? What do I do now?”

 All of these issues are important and need consideration, and unfortunately, sometimes a fall can leave someone totally helpless. Many times, however, knowledge and preparation can equip you with the tools to get yourself up off the floor after a fall or summon help even if you cannot move yourself. This article will teach you what to do when you fall down and what you can do now to help yourself if you should ever fall in the future.

If you feel yourself starting to fall:

• Try to land either onto your buttocks or onto your side.
• Remain calm as you assess your situation.

If you cannot reach the phone, do not have a mobile alarm system, and are alone, you need to try and get yourself up off the floor as soon as possible:

• If you happen to fall onto your back, gently bend your knees up so that your feet are flat on the floor then roll your body to one side, preferably toward the furniture, reaching with your arms and looking toward the direction of your turn.
• Once you are side-lying, you are in a better position to roll onto your stomach, get up onto your knees and crawl to the nearest stable piece of furniture.
• You can use a sturdy chair or sofa to pull yourself up by facing it squarely, bringing up the knee up of your strongest leg, leaving the other knee on the floor,placing both hands on the seat of the chair and pushing down with your forearms.
• Once you get up high enough, carefully rotate your body to sit on the chair or sofa.

Hopefully, once you have rested you will be able to call family, a friend, or an emergency contact to help you. If you are injured and unable to get to the phone, you are still in a better position being up in a chair than lying on the hard floor.

Here are 4 things you can do now to help yourself if you should ever fall in the future:

1. Be sure you have a portable phone or charged cell phone within your reach at all times.
2. Consider obtaining a mobile security alarm, such as a waterproof pendant or bracelet that is worn at all times and can summon help with a push of a button.
3. Arrange to check-in with a family member or a professional check-in service at the same time each day. If you miss a call, they will know something is wrong. Some local senior centers and hospitals offer this service free of charge or for a nominal fee. Also, there are several companies that will call you once or twice a day to check on you and can give you medication or treatment reminders.
4. If okay with your doctor, begin an exercise program for strengthening and balance. A regular walking program, Tai Chi, and water aerobics are good choices. Or ask you doctor for a referral to a physical therapist if you need a more customized program. Even 15 minutes a day can make a huge difference. If you should fall, you will be better equipped to handle the situation.

Many people who fall remain on the floor for prolonged periods of time and develop serious, often life-threatening complications such as severe skin breakdown, dehydration, and infections. Hopefully you will be among the 2 out of 3 seniors who do not fall this year. But, just in case, I hope you are well prepared and will know what to do.   

You can visit my website at http://www.seniorsafetyathome.org to find more articles, resources and carefully researched products which promote senior safety and make life easier in the home environment. Just sign up for the free newsletter and you will receive a free handy checklist for senior safety at home!

To senior safety and wellbeing,

Ronna

What to Buy for Grandma?

Dear Reader,

Gift buying for a senior loved one doesn’t have to be difficult.  They are usually trying to unclutter and scale down, so the last thing they need is another knick-knack. Here are several gift ideas that would get a warm smile from just about anyone. 

Everyone loves to open up a pretty, wrapped present, so my recommendation is to find something useful or fun that they will use, and do an extra nice job of wrapping it. If they like to read, a book by their favorite author or the first issue of the magazine subscription you have ordered for them is a nice choice.  Many elderly people love crossword puzzles,  Sudoku puzzles, or playing cards; these are all available in large print.  If they enjoy music or movies, a  CD or DVD might work out well. If your senior loved one  tends to get chilled easily, a great present is a super soft sweater or a microfiber lap blanket in their favorite color.

There are also many other gifts that could help them be more comfortable or feel more secure.  Here are a few ideas:

• A new memory foam or fiber orthopedic pillow,
• A shower chair or bath transfer bench,
• A new “favorite chair” with arms,
• A walker basket or pouch,
• A new walker with a built-in seat,
• A mobile alarm system to summon help if they should fall down,
• Or a new telephone with large numbers and a volume control

Don’t let money stop you from giving your elderly loved one a gift;  how about a certificate for you to personally give them a manicure, pedicure, hair “wash and style“, 30 minute massage, or an outing for a picnic in a scenic location?

If others ask you for suggestions, you might recommend a wrapped “gift coupon” for a lunch or dinner, a play, or a concert with them. Time spent with family and friends is always appreciated.

Senior Safety – Quick Fixes for Yard, Entryway and Living Room Hazards

Dear Readers,

Did you know that falls are now the leading cause of injury deaths for people 65 years of age and older, per The National Safety Council. Do you worry that your parents have physical or judgment deficits which impact their safety? Do they open the front door for anyone who rings the doorbell?

In this article, I will show you how to identify safety hazards in the yard, entryway and living room areas, and give you concrete suggestions to remedy those problems.

1) Yard and Entryways into home:

-Are walkways level and clear of debris and plant overgrowth?
-Is there enough light to see obstacles? A simple motion sensor light makes it easier to insert the key into the lock.
-You may want to install a railing on both sides if there are stairs up to the door.
-Post a No Soliciting sign outside the front door to minimize trips to the door and to lessen the risk of intruders.
-External doors and windows: Be sure that all windows can lock when fully closed and when partially opened. Have deadbolt locks on all external doors and install wide-angle peep-holes. This is a good opportunity for the “avoid opening the door to strangers”, “always lock the doors”, and “don’t give strangers any personal information on the phone” discussions with your elderly loved ones.

2) Living Room Safety:

-Clutter: This may sound like a no-brainer, but it is often overlooked. Clear away unwanted items, especially from all pathways in the home. Besides reducing tripping hazards, this will help lessen fire risks.
-Floors and floor coverings: Do not use floor cleaners or waxes that leave floor slippery. Check for saggy or loose carpet that could be tightened to avoid tripping. Loose rugs should be attached to the floor with double-sided tape. Be sure to move electrical and phone cords out of all pathways. If a walker or cane is used, it is important to remove all throw rugs, as these can create a hazard.
-Lighting: Make sure that all light bulbs are in working order. Light switches need to be within easy reach. There should not be any areas inside the home that can not be illuminated. Use night lights, especially on the path from bedroom. Also, having a working flashlight available if there is a power outage. Light timers work well for an elderly person who keeps a fairly regular schedule; program to automatically turn off an hour after bedtime, so that they leave the room while still lighted.
-Furniture: All furniture should be sturdy and in good repair. Elderly people tend to grab on to furniture as they walk by; not recommended, but frequently done, so the sturdier the better. Chairs with arms and higher seats are easier and safer to access.
-Emergency plan. Be sure there is a working smoke detector and fire extinguisher on each level of the home. Attach an easy-to-read list of emergency phone numbers near every phone and review emergency procedures with your elderly family members. Since many seniors spend lots of time in the living room, installing a phone in this room is a great idea. You may want to consider a mobile safety alarm which is worn on the wrist or as a pendant, to automatically summon help with the push of a button.

Most elderly people cherish their independence and will do just about anything to keep it. Sometimes a simple device or two in the home is all that is needed to keep them safe and independent.

If you still are not sure whether your senior loved ones are safe at home, you may want to obtain a safety evaluation performed by a Physical or Occupational Therapist specializing in geriatric care. These professionals are experts in determining safety and judgment while performing activities of daily living and also can recommend appropriate assistive devices and alternative living environments if a change is needed.

To Senior Safety and Independence!,
Ronna

Safe Sit to Stand to Sit

Dear Ronna,

My mom has been having trouble getting in and out of her favorite chair in the living room. I am very concerned that she will fall or hurt herself while she is attempting to stand. Is there anything we can do to help her?
Thanks,
Mary W.

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Dear Mary,

That is a great question and, yes, there are several things you can do to help your mom.
Many older people lose the strength necessary to easily stand up and sit down, even though it used to be easy. When someone is having difficulty standing and sitting, it could mean leg weakness and/or postural instability, which puts them at increased risk for falls while they are walking, so you are smart to take notice. If her chair is low, try placing a firm cushion on the seat to raise the height. Also try to use chairs that have arms. You may want to consider a new favorite chair. Also it may sound silly, but there is a right way to stand and sit from a chair. Try it yourself, for instance, without having your feet backed up to the chair; it is nearly impossible. Hopefully, this will help:

Use good body mechanics to stand up from a chair.
1. Scoot the buttocks forward toward the edge of the seat.
2. Bring feet back as close as possible to the chair.
3. Lean head and shoulders forward (Nose over toes).
4. Push hands down on the arms of the chair to stand (rather than pulling on a walker or another person).

To sit from standing:
1. Back knees up against the seat
2. Reach back for the arms of the chair prior to sitting.
3. Lean head forward as buttocks are lowered to seat.

If she continues to have trouble, you may want to seek out physical therapy for a strengthening program and a safety evaluation.

To safety and well-being,
Ronna

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