Preventing Falls in the Elderly
How to Decrease the Risk of Falls for Individuals with Osteoporosis
May 15, 2007
A slip or fall can be extremely harmful to those living with osteoporosis. A fall can be debilitating and even permanent for someone with osteoporosis. A simple fall on the porch, slip on a throw rug or stepping on clutter in the home can have severe consequences and even possibly death.
Osteoporosis is responsible for more than 1.5 million fractures annually including 300,000 hip fractures according to the National Osteoporosis Foundation.
Following these simple steps can help prevent falls for individuals living with Osteoporosis.
1. Throw Out the Throw Rugs
Throw rugs slide easily and can be extremely dangerous to individuals suffering from osteoporosis. Avoid throw rugs in the home and on the porch. Use a non-skid mat on the porch instead of a porch runner to prevent slips and falls in the snow and rain.
2. Clean up the Clutter
Keep the stairs and floor free from clutter. Keep toys, shoes, clothes and everything else off of the floor and stairs. Remove any extra furniture that is not out of the way.
3. Use Assistive Devices
Assistive devices can assist with balance, dressing and activities of daily living. Assistive devices can include:
- Walkers or canes can be used to assist with walking.
- Reachers or snappy dressers can be used to assist with reaching and grasping small objects off the floor or up in a cabinet.
- Dycem or non-skid mats can be used in the kitchen, bathroom and porch to prevent falls in wet areas.
- Use a shower bench with handheld showerhead in the shower.
- Install grab bars in the shower, tub and by the toilet.
4. Keep Shoes Safe
- Wear shoes with a slip resistant sole to allow good traction while walking.
- Avoid high heel shoes.
- Use velcro or pyrolaces instead of regular shoe laces.
- Footwear should fit properly with nails well trimmed.
5. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can assist patients with:
- Improving balance
- Home modification
- Ambulation training
- Train individuals to correctly use assistive devices including walkers and canes
- Decreasing pain
6. Add Rails
Add rails and non-slip safety strips to your steps and porches to decrease the risk of falling.
7. Pay Attention to your Health
- Keep your eye health up to date.
- If your glasses do not seem to be working efficiently, get your eyes evaluated.
- Keep up to date on your hearing health. If you wear a hearing aid, make sure you keep it working properly.
- If your current medications have side effects such as dizziness or light headiness, talk to your doctor.
8. Use Common Sense
- Turn on the lights
- Take your time
- Keep your assistive devices in working order
- Keep your toenails clipped
- Wear clothes that fit properly
- Ask for help if you need it
Preventing falls for individuals with osteoporosis is essential. A simple fall for someone with osteoporosis can end in fractures, hospitalization and even death.
