CHECK-UP:When older people are prone to falling there's quite a lot you can do to reduce the risk
My mother, who until recently was a very robust 80 year old, has started to fall. Why might this be happening?
Older people fall for a number of different reasons.
Often it’s simply the result of tripping or slipping due to loss of footing.
A fall can also be the result of slower reflexes making it difficult for the older person to keep their balance or move out of the way of hazards.
It may be due to problems with balance or reduced muscle strength, or the result of poor vision or other problems such as changes in blood pressure. Medications and alcohol can also increase the tendency to fall.
Are there particular medications that can contribute to falls?
Blood pressure medications, heart drugs, diuretics (water tablets), muscle relaxants and sleeping pills may cause dizziness, light-headedness or confusion, all of which can increase the risk of falls.
Is there anything I can do to stop her falling?
While it’s not possible to eliminate all risk of her falling, putting some practical measures in place will certainly help reduce the risk.
First, she should see her GP for a check-up to determine if there’s a medical cause for her falls and for a medication review.
He may wish to refer her on to a specialist falls clinic for further assessment and treatment.
He may also advise increasing her daily calcium and vitamin D intake, prescribe medication to promote bone density and encourage her to undertake regular weight-bearing exercise.
These are measures that will help increase bone strength thereby reducing the risk of her sustaining a fracture should she fall again.
Your mum should wear low-heeled, rubber-soled shoes to prevent slipping.
Discourage her walking around in stockings, socks or slippers.
Ensure rooms, in particular floors, are kept free of clutter and that all areas, indoor and outdoor, are well lit.
Also remember to remove loose flooring and rugs and get a non-skid mat for the shower and bath.
Grab rails should be fitted in the shower area, beside the bath and toilet to aid with transfers. Stairs should be well lit and fitted with rails on both sides for safety.
The use of a cordless telephone will eliminate the need for her to rush to answer the phone.
This will also encourage her to keep it with her at all times and will mean she can easily contact help in the event that she does fall or have any other accidents.
Falls
While it's not possible to eliminate all risk of falling, putting some practical measures in place will certainly help reduce the risk. Rooms should be kept free of clutter and be well lit. Remove loose floor coverings and rugs and get a non-skid mat for the shower and bath. Stairs should be fitted with rails on both sides for safety.