Fall prevention tips for caregivers
Falls can happen to anyone, anytime – they are not an inevitable part of aging. Many falls can be prevented with the correct knowledge and simple practical measures. Let’s take a look at our top fall prevention tips for caregivers.
How common are falls in the home?
Falls in the home become more common as we age. A third of people over 65, and half of people over 80 will have at least one fall a year. This is caused by things like mobility issues, health conditions, poor balance, muscle weakness, and more.
Certain conditions increase the risk of falls, as well as the severity of the outcome of the fall. For example, in the UK, over 3 million people have osteoporosis, and face a much greater risk of fragility fractures.
A study on falls found that falls were more likely to occur in those who were frailer, older, lived in more deprived areas, and were female. Knowing this, people who fall into these categories can be more appropriately supported.
Fall prevention tips
There are several simple yet effective ways to reduce the risk of falls in the home. These tips are suitable for elderly people, those with mobility issues, people recovering from surgery, and caregivers.
Check your environment
Your home environment may have more hazards around than you realise. Items like loose rugs, clutter, children’s toys, and wires can cause a fall. It is important to ensure all walkways are free from obstacles, paying particular notice to doorways, hallways, and stairs. As an example, leaving shoes close to the front door or bottom of the stairs increases the risk of tripping.
Clutter is not the only environmental risk factor for falls. As we age, our eyesight declines, and this further increases the risk of falling. Poor lighting conditions , particularly during the night, creates a greater falls risk. The use of lamps and nightlights during the night can create a safer home environment.
Encourage physical activity
If you are a caregiver, encouraging and supporting someone to move more will benefit their mental and physical health enormously, as well as reducing their falls risk. Exercise can be easily tailored to a persons capabilities and strengths. For example, walking is a simple, free, and common way to stay active and improve mobility.
For those who are able, exercise classes and strength training are great ways to prevent falls. These types of exercises improve muscle strength and bone health, ideal for balance and mobility. A falls prevention article by the NHS discusses evidence that taking part in regular tai chi sessions can reduce the risk of falls. This exercise focuses on movement, balance, and co-ordination, whilst being low impact.
Review nutrition & medication
What we eat, drink, and the medication we take is an overlooked part of preventing falls. Being dehydrated or malnourished can have physical effects on our health, affecting our strength and balance, thus leading to potential falls. Food is an essential part of our muscle and bone health. If you are a carer, ensure that you are providing or encouraging healthy, balanced meals, and plenty of fluids at regular intervals.
Some medications have side effects that impact balance, cognitive function, and emotional health. For some, medications may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blood pressure changes, all of which can increase the risk of falls. It is important for caregivers to ensure medications are kept track off, and side effects monitored regularly.
Provide mobility aids
For some, mobility aids and tools are a necessary part of their daily lives. Even with implementing exercise, good nutrition, and removing hazards from the home, some will find it difficult to walk and carry out common tasks without some assistance.
While some may require aids such as walking sticks, walkers, and other standard walking aids, others may need something simpler to support their independence.
For example, non-slip socks can provide a sense of independence and encourage stability. The grip on the top and bottom of the socks allows for safer movement on slippy surfaces, such as hard floors or bathroom tiles.
Encourage safe footwear
Supportive footwear is important both indoors and outdoors. Avoiding shoes that do not fit well, have heels, or slippy soles can reduce the risk of falls. We know that the style and fit of shoe matters for stability, but the condition of your footwear can have an impact too. Checking the condition of your shoes regularly avoids potential accidents.
As a caregiver, you can provide guidance on the correct footwear for the individual. It may be the case that specialised footwear is needed to provide the best stability.
Many people don’t find it comfortable to wear traditional shoes indoors, and prefer socks or slippers. However, many slippers are too loose, or do not have non-slip soles. In these cases, socks with grips are the ideal solution. The tread on the bottom of the sock provides grip when walking on slippy floors.
Non-slip socks
Non -slip socks or “hospital socks” are commonly used in hospitals and care homes to prevent falls. They have a tread underneath the top, as well as on the top of the foot. This grippy tread provides more stability than regular socks, and reduces the risk of slipping on tiles and hard floors. They are an excellent option for indoor use as they are comfortable, breathable, and easy to put on for people of various mobility levels.
What are the benefits of non-slip socks for preventing falls in the home?
- Simple to put on, no ties, velcro or poppers
- Comfortable and breathable material, suitable for longer periods of wear
- Tread on both sides of the sock, if the sock twists, the wearer remains protected
- Available in large adult shoe sizes, can also accommodate swollen feet and ankles
- Easy to purchase online with fast UK mainland delivery
Get in touch
If you would like to know more about our non-slip socks, you can get in touch with our team to discuss your needs. If you require smaller quantities, you can shop easily online and benefit from bulk discounts. Get fast & free UK mainland delivery when you spend £50 online (ex.vat).
Sources
10 Most important fall prevention tips
Falls: Applying all our health
Home interventions reduce fall admissions for older people
