Preventing Falls at Home with Mobility Aids

Falls at home can have severe consequences, particularly for older adults or individuals with mobility challenges. Falls are a common but often overlooked cause of injury. Around one in three adults over 65 and half of people over 80 will have at least one fall a year.

good news is that many falls at home can be prevented with proactive measures, and one such essential approach is the strategic use of mobility aids. In this blog, we will explore the importance of preventing falls, delve into the common risk factors, and discuss how mobility aids can play a crucial role in enhancing safety and independence within the home environment.

The impact of falls

Falls can have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the immediate physical injuries. Understanding the multifaceted impact of falls is crucial in emphasising the importance of falls prevention measures and the role fall prevention equipment can play in mitigating these effects.

Physical consequences

Fractures and bone injuries: One of the most immediate and prevalent consequences of falls is fractures, especially among the elderly. Hip fractures, in particular, can lead to a significant decline in mobility and independence.

Head injuries: Falls can result in traumatic brain injuries, ranging from mild concussions to more severe complications. Head injuries not only pose an immediate threat but can also have long-term cognitive consequences.

Emotional distress

Loss of confidence: Experiencing a fall can significantly impact an individual’s confidence in their ability to move around safely. This loss of confidence can lead to self-imposed limitations on daily activities, reducing quality of life.

Fear of falling: The fear of falling again is a common psychological consequence. This fear can lead to anxiety and depression, further limiting social interactions and outdoor activities.

Reduced quality of life

Social isolation: Fear of falling can result in self-imposed isolation, as individuals may avoid social gatherings and outdoor activities to minimise the risk of falling. Social isolation, in turn, can lead to loneliness and a decline in mental well-being.

Impact on daily activities: The aftermath of a fall often necessitates changes in daily routines. Simple activities like bathing, dressing, or preparing meals may become challenging, affecting overall independence.

Caregiver strain

Increased care needs: Falls often result in increased dependence on caregivers for assistance with daily activities. This places added strain on family members or professional caregivers, affecting their time, energy, and emotional well-being.

Balancing independence and safety: Caregivers may find themselves in the delicate position of balancing the individual’s desire for independence with the need to ensure their safety. This dynamic can be emotionally challenging for both parties.

Impact on functional abilities

Long-term functional decline: For some individuals, particularly older adults, a fall can mark the beginning of a gradual decline in functional abilities. Reduced mobility and increased dependence on others may contribute to a diminished overall quality of life.

Understanding the risk factors

To effectively prevent falls, it is essential to understand the common risk factors associated with them. Some of the key contributors include:

Reduced strength and balance: As individuals age, a natural decline in muscle mass and strength occurs. Weak muscles, particularly in the lower body, can compromise balance and stability, making falls more likely. Balance is a complex interplay between the sensory and motor systems. Factors such as inner ear problems, vision impairment, or neurological conditions can disrupt this equilibrium, increasing the risk of falls.
Environmental hazards: Unorganised and cluttered living spaces present physical obstacles that can impede safe movement. Simple tasks, like walking from one room to another, become more hazardous when unnecessary items are in the way. Irregular or uneven flooring surfaces, including rugs that are not properly secured, can create tripping hazards. Stairs without handrails or with uneven steps pose additional risks.
Medication side effects: Certain medications, especially those prescribed for managing chronic conditions, may have side effects such as dizziness or drowsiness. These side effects can increase the likelihood of losing balance and falling.
Chronic health conditions: Conditions like arthritis can affect joint function and mobility, making movement more challenging and increasing the risk of falls. In addition, the weakening of bones due to osteoporosis makes individuals more susceptible to fractures in the event of a fall.Poor eyesight, whether due to age-related changes or specific eye conditions, can affect depth perception and awareness of surroundings, contributing to falls.
Footwear choices: Wearing shoes with slippery soles, inadequate arch support, or high heels can compromise stability and increase the risk of slipping or tripping.

Mobility aids as a preventive measure

Mobility aids are tools designed to assist individuals in maintaining stability, balance, and independence. Here’s how different mobility aids can play a role in preventing falls at home.

Canes: Canes come in various types, including standard, quad, and offset canes. They are valuable for individuals with mild balance issues or those recovering from surgery. Canes provide additional support and stability, redistributing weight away from the lower extremities.

Ensuring the cane is of the correct height is essential for optimal support. Users should be educated on the proper way to hold and move with a cane, emphasising the importance of placing it on the unaffected side when walking.

Walkers: Walkers are designed to provide a stable support base and are suitable for individuals with more pronounced mobility challenges. They come in various styles, including standard, front-wheeled, and four-wheeled walkers. Walkers offer increased stability and the option to sit and rest when needed.

Some walkers can be customised with accessories such as baskets, trays, or built-in seats, enhancing their functionality and convenience for daily activities.

Stairlifts: Stairlifts are paramount in addressing the challenge of stairs for individuals with mobility limitations. These devices provide a secure and controlled means of ascending and descending staircases, eliminating the risk of falls on stairs.

Riser/recliner chairs: The defining feature of riser recliner chairs is their powered lifting mechanism. This mechanism gently tilts the chair forward, assisting individuals in standing up from a seated position. This can be especially beneficial for those with weakened leg muscles or balance issues, reducing the risk of falls during transitions.

Profiling beds: Profiling beds and mattresses are designed with adjustable features, allowing for personalised positioning of the mattress and support surfaces. This customisation enhances comfort and contributes to fall prevention by reducing the risk of individuals slipping or sliding out of bed.

Hoists: Hoists are crucial in facilitating safe transfers for individuals with limited mobility. Whether transferring between a bed and a chair or from a sitting to a standing position, hoists support caregivers, reducing the risk of falls during these manoeuvres.

Grab bars and handrails: Grab bars and handrails are essential installations in areas prone to slips and falls, such as bathrooms and stairwells. They give individuals something to hold onto, enhancing stability and preventing accidents.

Grab bars come in various styles, including wall-mounted, floor-to-ceiling, and suction cup options. The choice depends on the specific needs of the individual and the characteristics of the living space.

Commode and shower chairs: Accessing the bathroom can be challenging for individuals with mobility issues. Commode chairs bring the bathroom to the individual, offering a portable and accessible solution that can be placed in bedrooms or living areas.

Commode and shower chairs with sturdy armrests and back support contribute to the user’s stability during transfers, reducing the risk of falls and providing a secure and comfortable alternative to standard toilet facilities.

Wheelchairs and ramps: For individuals with more severe mobility limitations, wheelchairs and ramps offer a high level of independence. Electric wheelchairs or scooters are particularly useful for outdoor mobility, allowing individuals to cover more ground without exerting excessive physical effort.

Wheelchairs are available in various designs, including manual and electric. Additionally, there are lightweight and foldable options for increased portability. Wheelchair ramps can be installed as a permanent fixture or be portable for accessing various places within the home or while out and about.

Protective headwear: Older adults, who may be more prone to falls, can benefit from wearing cushioned head protection. These soft yet protective hats are designed to provide an additional layer of padding to minimise the impact on the head during a fall.

Many protective headwear options are discreetly designed to resemble regular hats, ensuring that individuals feel comfortable and confident while wearing them.

Orthopaedic shoes and non-slip socks: Proper footwear is a crucial aspect of fall prevention. Orthopaedic shoes provide additional support for the feet and ankles, reducing the risk of tripping. They are designed to accommodate various foot conditions and ensure proper alignment. Non-slip socks are an excellent addition to indoor fall prevention strategies. They provide traction on smooth surfaces, reducing the likelihood of slipping.

Creating a safe home environment

In addition to using mobility aids, creating a safe home environment is paramount in preventing falls. Consider the following modifications:

Remove clutter: Cluttered living spaces are breeding grounds for accidents. Ensure that hallways, entryways, and frequently used pathways are free from obstacles. This includes removing unnecessary furniture, loose cables, and other items that could impede movement.
Improve lighting: Proper lighting is essential for visibility and fall prevention, especially in stairwells and hallways. Use bright, energy-efficient bulbs and consider installing motion-activated lights in key areas.
Secure rugs and carpets: Ensure that rugs and carpets are securely fastened to the floor using non-slip mats or double-sided tape. This prevents tripping on loose or shifting floor coverings.
Install handrails: Install sturdy handrails on both sides of staircases to provide support and stability during ascent and descent. Ensure that the handrails are securely anchored. Also, place grab bars near toilets and in the shower or bathtub. These assistive devices enhance safety in spaces where slips are more likely.
Bathroom safety: Use non-slip mats or adhesive strips in the bathtub or shower to prevent slipping. This is especially important for individuals with mobility challenges. Installing raised toilet seats can make it easier for individuals to sit and stand, reducing strain and minimising the risk of falls.
Furniture arrangement: Arrange furniture to create open and easily navigable spaces. Ensure that chairs and tables are placed in a way that allows for unobstructed movement. Anchor heavy furniture to the wall to prevent accidental tipping, particularly if children or pets are in the household.
Accessible storage: Store frequently used items within easy reach to eliminate the need for reaching or climbing. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who may have difficulty bending or stretching.

Encouraging regular exercise

Physical activity is crucial in maintaining strength, balance, and flexibility, all of which contribute to preventing falls. Integrating simple exercises into daily routines, such as seated leg lifts or standing balance exercises, can enhance muscle tone and coordination. Tai Chi, yoga, and simple strength training exercises can be particularly beneficial for older adults.

Regular health check-ups and medication review

Falls can be linked to health conditions and medication side effects. Regular health check-ups, vision tests, and medication reviews with healthcare professionals can help identify and address potential risk factors.

How caregivers and family members can help?

Falls prevention is a collaborative effort that involves not only the individual at risk but also their caregivers and family members. They should understand common risk factors associated with falls, such as muscle weakness, environmental hazards, and medication side effects. Understanding these factors allows for targeted interventions and a proactive approach to prevention.

Guidance on mobility aid usage: Give guidance to the person you care for on the proper use of mobility aids, and make sure that they fit comfortably and can be used effectively. Encourage consistent use of canes, walkers, or wheelchairs, offering support during transitions and daily activities.
Awareness of medication side effects: Stay informed about the potential side effects of medications, particularly those that may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Regularly communicate with healthcare professionals to review medications and address any concerns.
Facilitating regular check-ups: Arrange regular check-ups with healthcare providers, acting as a liaison to ensure consistent monitoring of health conditions. Report any changes in mobility or balance promptly for appropriate interventions.
Empowering autonomy: Strike a balance between promoting independence and ensuring safety. Empower the person you care for to perform daily tasks independently while implementing safety measures tailored to their unique needs.
Creating emergency response plans: Establish clear emergency response plans, familiarise yourself with procedures to seek help and perform basic first aid. Stay educated on using emergency devices, such as personal alarms or fall detection systems.
Addressing emotional well-being: Recognise and address the emotional aspects of fall prevention, particularly the fear of falling. Provide a supportive environment for open communication, acknowledging concerns and fostering mental well-being.

Preventing falls at home is a multifaceted approach that requires a combination of environmental modifications, proper use of mobility aids, regular exercise, and ongoing healthcare oversight.

By addressing the unique needs of individuals with mobility challenges, we can create safer living spaces that promote independence and well-being. Embracing mobility aids as valuable tools in this endeavour empowers individuals to navigate their surroundings with confidence, reducing the risk of falls and enhancing the overall quality of life.

A few preventative measures now can go a long way in helping our elderly family members avoid serious injury down the road. Browse our range of mobility aids and fall prevention equipment today.