What Causes Falls in the Elderly?

Falling is a tremendous source of injuries for elderly loved ones.

There are quite a few different reasons why your loved one might fall, but it’s likely their situation is complicated by experiencing more than one of these factors.

5 Fall Risk Factors in the Elderly

To help your loved one avoid falls, it helps to know the different factors that can contribute to them.

1. Inactivity

If your elderly loved one doesn’t move much, then their muscles tend to be a bit weaker.

They may also not be as flexible as they would be if they were more active.

Increasing your loved one’s exercise levels can also help to improve their sense of balance.

If they’re experiencing bone loss, or osteoporosis, exercise can help with that too.

Work with your loved one’s medical team and home care providers to determine an exercise plan for them.

2. Poor Vision

Impaired vision can cause your loved one to misjudge their step or be unaware of their surroundings. When that happens, it’s much easier for them to fall or to injure themselves.

Make sure your elderly loved one has their eyes examined yearly to keep up with any prescription changes or visual ailments that can cause them to injure themselves.

3. Medication Side Effects

Some medications have dizziness as a side effect. Other medications have side effects that can also make it difficult for your loved one to maintain their balance or to avoid a fall.

If medication seems like it could be a problem for your loved one, make sure you talk to their doctor. Their doctor might consider changing the dosage or the medication so the side effects are no longer a problem.

4. Illnesses and Other Health Problems

Besides medications, some illnesses or other health problems can cause a greater likelihood of falling.

Ailments such as Alzheimer’s or arthritis can create a situation in which your loved one is more prone to a fall.

Recovering from hip surgery or a previous fall are also put seniors at a higher fall risk.

5. Safety Hazards

If your loved one’s home isn’t as safe as it could be, that can be a big contributing factor for falls.

Double check that they have clear pathways through each room and that rugs and other items on the floor aren’t a tripping hazard.

For loved ones who aren’t as stable on their feet as they could be, consider adding handrails in strategic locations.

For more tips on preventing falls, check out our blog: How to Prevent Falls at Home

Contact Sonas for Home Health Care Services

If you or an aging loved one are considering home health care services in Florida, contact the caring staff at Sonas Home Health Care. Call today (888) 592-5855.

Jillian Miller BSN, RN

Director of Nursing at Sonas Home Health Care

This blog was reviewed by Jillian Miller BSN, RN — Director of Nursing for Sonas Home Health Care’s Tampa Bay market — for clinical accuracy. Jillian Miller has been a nurse for 16 years — working primarily in pediatrics. She believes the best part of working with the pediatric population is when you see smiles from clients when you first enter the room. She loves seeing the difference you can make in families’ lives while providing the best care possible for them.