Daily living and health
Fall risk
Fall risk is the chance that a person will fall and be hurt. Weak legs, poor balance, some medicines, vision problems, and hazards at home raise it. About one in four adults age 65 and older falls each year, according to the CDC. Many falls can be prevented.
Why it matters for your family
Falls are a leading cause of injury in older adults, and a prior fall roughly doubles the chance of another. Many people do not tell their doctor. Families can lower risk. Ask a doctor to review medicines and balance, add grab bars and lighting, remove loose rugs, and encourage strength and balance exercise. A common mistake is waiting for a fall before acting. A home safety assessment can spot hazards early. Caregivers can stay close during bathing and walking, and report near falls. HomeCare.com advanced companion care includes fall-risk and wandering safety.
Source: cdc.gov
Read more: Warning Signs Your Parents Need Help at Home
Related terms
- Fall preventionFall prevention is the set of steps that lower the chance an older adult will fall.
- Home safety assessmentA home safety assessment is a room-by-room check of a home for hazards that could cause falls or injuries.
- Grab barsGrab bars are sturdy handles fixed to a wall, usually in a bathroom, that give a person something solid to hold when standing, sitting or stepping.
- AmbulationAmbulation means walking from place to place, with or without a cane, walker, or help from another person.
- Medical alert systemA medical alert system is a device, often a wearable button, that lets a person call for help in an emergency.
- Home modificationsHome modifications are changes to a house that make it safer and easier to use for an older adult or a person with a disability.
