Make some simple adjustment in our homes, stores and public places make it a safer place for the elderly and thus reduce the risk of falls.

Here are some strategies that can help create a fall prevention checklist. 

Proper lighting:

Light switches are to be placed in easy and accessible locations so elders can turn on/off easily especially at night times.

Install grabs bars:

Grab bars are simple, inexpensive but yet very important. They can be installed in the bathroom and toilets so that elders can have something to hold onto while in the restroom.

Use of handrails:

These are more important where we have stairs. There should always be at least one handrail that is easy to grab onto for elders in our homes, departmental stores, parks and other public places. Stairs are never to be unguarded as these guards serve as protection for the elder while climbing.

Adding non-slip mats:

Door way entrances, bedsides and bathroom are the most common places where elders fall, so it is essential that these rooms are safe. Investing in a good and well secured mat is a step in the right direction to provide safety and prevents falls for elders.

Keep high traffic areas free of obstacles:

Keep the areas of the house that you ply frequently clear of junk, litters and clean to prevent trips and falls. E.g. path from bed to the bathroom

Store heavy items in lower cupboards and lighter ones above, to avoid climbing and heavy lifting.

Because we know elders from the age of 65 and above are at risk of falling, we have put together these simple steps in order to reduce the likelihood of falling. Following these tips will definitely promote fall prevention among the elderly.

Keeping active and move around.

Staying active by exercising is one of the best ways to prevent falls. Physical activities help to improve strength and balance especially for elders. Activities like walking; jogging, dancing, tai chi etc. makes a lot of difference in the life of older adults.

Eat well

Health is wealth is a popular saying; eating balanced diet helps maintain a healthy weight and ensures that the body gets the proper nutrients it need to function properly.

Staying hydrated

This is related to healthy eating, drinking enough water helps get rid of free radicals and toxins from the body, thus helping our elders stay strong and experience well relaxing muscles.

Keeping the bones strong

Aging comes with degeneration and reduced production of calcium. Taking calcium and vitamin D supplements is an easy way to keep the bones healthy and prevent falls in the elderly.

Take only prescribed medications

Self-medication and consumption of un-prescribed medication is hazardous for elders. It is important for elders to takes only prescribed medication and inform their doctors of any supplements they are on, this is important because of drug side effects, negative drug interference and reactions as the case may be.

Do regular vision and hearing checked

With ageing there are tendencies of sensory loss like loss of hearing as well as visual acuity, protecting elders against this loss is important. Thus, regular eye and ear check is important. Most elders are most prone to diseases that cause blindness or poor vision, such as glaucoma. Therefore for elders, wearing prescribed glasses is not fashion they are needed to prevent falls.

Use assisted devices such as cane and walker

The moment elders find it difficult getting around on their own, it is very important to get assisted devices, with that they are protected from the risk of fall or injuries. Grab bars by the toilet and bathtub can keep the elderly steady when standing up or sitting down. They should be considered a way to keep them safe.

Other ways to prevent falls includes:

• Having a good balance while standing.
• Wearing non-slip
• Having good lighting in your space and environment.
• Avoid rushing (it’s okay to take your time to do things at your pace)

See our article on SAFETY STRATEGIES TO PREVENT FALLS…

You can join the awareness week by:

✔️ Registering:
✔️ Sharing our resource information.
✔️ Support by filling the  personalized badge flier: https://getdp.co/FPA2022
✔️ Use our Hashtag on all posts related to fall prevention across all social media platforms.

#rcecfallprevention2022

Working as an elderly care advocate and support, we have had a lot of opportunities to speak about the topic falls prevention with our enlisted clients at Rehoboth centre for elderly care. And as a result, we have been able to confirm that fall is a huge problem faced by elders especially.

Thus, we saw the need to create more awareness on the subject in order to contribute our quota to educate more people on the need to prevent falls especially for elders which will have an exponential effect in decreasing elderly related injuries. It is a known and established fact that Falls are a leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for the elderly and not all fall cases are reported to the hospital.

Falls can cause serious injuries such as head injuries, fractures and even death.

Managing and caring for an elderly who has experienced fall can be expensive; it can also affect the quality of life of both the elders and their families, limiting their activities and social engagement.

Most elders who have fallen once develop a fear of falling the second time, thus, resulting in further physical decline, depression, social isolation, and feelings of helplessness.

A fall of an elderly client results in serious burden even on their caregivers.

It is evident that the need to prevent elderly fall is pertinent, and must be taken seriously by all stakeholders (Squad) in the subject matter. It takes a village to prevent fall especially for seniors. Fall prevention is a team effort everyone has a role to play.

These stakeholders (Fall Prevention Squad) include;

• The Elders (choices they make e.g. choice of footwear, compliance to instruction etc.
• Family and Friends
• Pharmacist (counselling about medications side effects)
• Physiotherapists and physical trainers (can help to improve balance strength and mobility, they can also help to identify physical activities that can be done to prevent fall.
• Elderly Care Centre (like RCEC) can help with emotional, behavioural, social, recreational support.
• Other organisations like banks, hospitals, restaurants etc. sThese organisations can contribute by making their facilities elderly friendly by making less slippery floors, providing rail bars for walk ways and halls, and accessibility for wheel chairs and walkers to help prevent falls.

Understanding why fall prevention is important will help all members of the fall prevention squad (stakeholders) contribute their quota effectively.

See our article on COMMON RISK FACTORS THAT RESULT IN FALL ….

You can join the awareness week by:

✔️ Registering:
✔️ Sharing our resource information.
✔️ Support by filling the  personalized badge flier: https://getdp.co/FPA2022
✔️ Use our Hashtag on all posts related to fall prevention across all social media platforms.

#rcecfallprevention2022

Falls don’t just happen!!! Most falls are caused by multiple factors. The factors responsible are falls are intrinsic, extrinsic and exposure to risk.

Intrinsic risk factors:

• A history of falls
• Age related incidence e.g. dementia
• Gender: aged women are more prone to fall than men and are far more likely to sustain fractures when they fall.
• Living alone has shown to be a risk factor for falls.
• Some medications e.g. Antidepressants

 Extrinsic Factors

• Environmental hazards such as poor lighting, slippery floors and surfaces, etc.)
• Bad footwear and clothes
• Inappropriate walking aids or no assistive device.

 Exposure to risks such as;

• Fatigue
• Unsafe exercises.

To ensure we stay on our feet, we must take all necessary steps to eliminate or minimise falls.

See our article on HOW TO PREVENT FALL IN ELDERS…

You can join the awareness week by:

✔️ Registering:
✔️ Sharing our resource information.
✔️ Support by filling the  personalized badge flier: https://getdp.co/FPA2022
✔️ Use our Hashtag on all posts related to fall prevention across all social media platforms.

#rcecfallprevention2022

It is true that fall prevention strategies should emphasize communication, education, and training, creating safer environments, prioritizing fall-related research and establishing effective policies to reduce risk. However, on a personal note, fall prevention starts with a talk with the elder. As caregivers and loved ones, it is important to talk to your elder; this is because the situations that surround each elder are peculiar to that elder and cannot be the same with other elders. This is why the place of proper and effective communication cannot be substituted.

Talking is one of the easiest ways to create awareness and encourage actions against falls. The great thing about this is that you don’t have to be a fall expert to talk to your elder, family or loved one.

As a caregiver or family member here are a few tips to help you talk to your elder in order to get the best result.

Be kind and open:

Kindness and transparency are key to connecting with elders and for them to open up to you, they must be sure that they can trust you.

Avoid judging:

Avoid judgemental words, actions and expressions when communicating with an elder; create a safe place and space for them with the way you relate and communicate.

Practice assertive communication:

As much as you need to be kind and homely towards your elders it is important to be firm when necessary especially when it comes to the behaviour and adherence of the elders to their health. Let them understand that their wellbeing is important to you as much as it is to them. Hence, the need for their cooperation.

Be their support and listen to their concerns:

As families, friends and caregivers, it is important to be a listening ear and a shoulder for the elders to cry on. Create an enabling environment for them to see you as one as well.

Follow the fall communication process below.

FALL PREVENTION COMMUNICATION PROCESS
Ask Questions >>> Listen >>> Share experiences >>> Share Facts >>> Ask Questions.

The first step towards a successful fall communication process is to ask questions, relating to the elders fall history, health, wellbeing etc. Proceed to listen to their concerns, share your experiences with them and also share important facts that they need to know, and then conclude by asking questions to get feedback and ascertain that communication was effective.

See our article on WHY FALL PREVENTION IS IMPORTANT…

You can join the awareness week by:

✔️ Registering:
✔️ Sharing our resource information.
✔️ Support by filling the  personalized badge flier: https://getdp.co/FPA2022
✔️ Use our Hashtag on all posts related to fall prevention across all social media platforms.

#rcecfallprevention2022

Falls are preventable and can be avoided. However, the first step towards avoiding falls, especially among older adults in Nigeria specifically is to clear myths and misconceptions around fall that have been created as a result of environment, fear, sentiment and misinformation, and to rather embrace facts. This will help elders, their families, loved ones and caregivers make better-informed decisions relating to fall prevention relating to the elderly. This is what this article as well as the entire fall prevention campaign seeks to achieve. Below are some myths about elderly falls and the actual reality:

Myth 1: Falls are normal with ageing.

Reality: Falling is not a normal part of ageing. As a person ages, Strength and balance exercises, managing and taking only prescribed medications, having vision checks and a safer environment can reduce the chances or even prevent falls completely.

Myth 2: Using a walker or cane will make an elder more dependent.

Reality: Walking aids are very important in helping many older adults maintain or improve their mobility. However, make sure you use these devices safely. Have a physical therapist fit the walker or cane to you and instruct you on how to safely use them.

Myth 3: As long as I stay at home, I can avoid falling.

Reality: Over half of all fall incidents happen at home. This is why it is important to inspect your home for fall risks. Fix simple but serious hazards such as clutter, throw rugs, and poor lighting. Make simple home modifications, such as adding grab bars in the bathroom, a second handrail on stairs, and non-slip paint for outdoor steps.

See our article on FALL PREVENTION COMMUNICATION…

You can join the awareness week by:

✔️ Registering:
✔️ Sharing our resource information.
✔️ Support by filling the  personalized badge flier: https://getdp.co/FPA2022
✔️ Use our Hashtag on all posts related to fall prevention across all social media platforms.

#rcecfallprevention2022