Fall Safety and Mobility Awareness: How to Protect Seniors

As we age, mobility challenges can turn simple everyday tasks into serious hazards. According to the CDC, one in four adults over the age of 65 fall each year, making falls the leading cause of injury-related deaths in older adults.

While there are no ideal instruments or calculators for physicians to determine who is at higher risk for falls, the best predictor is a history of falls. Once you fall you are very likely to do it again.

Of course we would like to prevent all falls, but the best we can do is take actionable steps to mitigate risk. At Caring Solutions we have a full-time Field Support Trainer, George, who ensures all of our caregivers are well equipped to support their clients. We are proud to say we

• Train all caregivers on fall safety at orientation

• Assess all caregivers on transfer skills at orientation

• Provide one-on-one skills training (required and as-needed)

• Host in-house workshops as client mobility changes (Ex. Hoyer lift is needed)

In addition to having a care team with safety in mind there are 2 other suggestions we make to help prevent falls: (1) Assess the home for high-risk areas and (2) Maintain or establish a movement routine.

Home Safety

There are a few simple adjustments that can be made to a home that we know first-hand will prevent unnecessary falls and/or injuries.

• Install grab bars in bathrooms and along stairways to provide support

• Plug in motion sensitive lights so the floor is easily visible at night

• Choose shoes and slippers with non-slip soles

• Remove throw rugs, especially in bathrooms and entryways

• Create clear walking paths by removing objects, cords, furniture in the way

We realize "simple adjustments" is easy for us to say, because implementing these changes can be a challenge for everyone involved. Grab bars will never match the existing bathroom decor and suggesting a night light might be insulting to someone who's been walking around their home for decades without issues. Like any conversation about aging, be kind and try to put yourself in their shoes.

Our Client Managers are happy to do a safety assessment and make any suggestions. Our caregivers often identify high-risk areas once they get to know the routine and see how your loved one moves around. Sometimes making small changes over time can minimize the shock, but we acknowledge this can be a difficult situation, so we are here to help.

Movement Routine

We all know the benefits of exercise for our overall health and well being, but as we age, exercise in its traditional form can be daunting and sometimes painful. The problem is that the less we move regularly, the more likely we are to hurt ourselves when movement does occur. It can seem difficult to justify doing more of what can cause an injury, but even a short daily walk has measurable impact. No movement is too small.

This is why we are proud to partner with GYMGUYZ. GYMGUYZ provides in-home personal trainers who meet you where you are. They will create a movement program specific to your goals and capabilities, and all trainers are certified in Senior Fitness through both the International Sports Sciences Association (ISSA) and the National Association of Sports Medicine (NASM). Your trainer will find things that you enjoy doing while helping

• Enhance mobility

• Improve cardio fitness

• Increase strength using low-impact exercises

Let your Client Manager know if you are interested in more information about GYMGUYZ or you can visit their website.

When mobility is supported, independence is preserved. By taking thoughtful steps to prevent falls, we’re not just avoiding injuries. We’re supporting freedom, confidence, and dignity.

If you'd like to learn more about how we can support your family, our fall prevention strategies, caregiver training, or to request a safety assessment please visit www.caringsolutionssa.com

Photo by Richard Sagredo on Unsplash