The Professional Geriatric Care Manager’s Blog

Although this blog usually deals with elder care issues and yesterday we focused on falls and the elderly, the tips I’m going to provide you with today are useful for people of any age.

Some common causes of falls in and around the home include the following:

• Slippery floors
• Poor lighting
• Electrical cords in pathways
• Loose scatter rugs
• Raised thresholds
• Clutter

For those of you caring for an elder the following age-related factors could increase the risk for falls:

• Problems with balance
• Slow reflexes
• Poor eyesight
• Use of certain medications including cardiac, antidepressant and pain medication

Below you will find a list of precautions that can be easily implemented whether providing elder care for a loved one or ensuring your own safety.

Outside your house:

• Ensure that concrete steps and walkways are in good repair. Paint the edges of outdoor steps with light reflective paint or apply light reflective tape to the edges. This is particularly important if any of the steps are narrow, or higher, or lower than the rest.
• Keep outdoor walkways clear and well-lit, ensure that all outdoor lighting is working and replace burned out bulbs.
• Clear snow and ice from entrances and sidewalks. Have rock salt available during the winter months.

Inside your house:

• Remove all clutter from your home
• Keep telephone and electrical cords out of pathways.
• Tack down rugs and glue loose vinyl flooring so they lie flat. Remove scatter rugs or attach non-slip backing or tape to them.
• Be sure that carpets are frimly attached to the stairs.
• Do not stand on chairs to reach for things, use a sturdy step stools with hand rail. Store frequently used items items where they can be reached easily.
• Have a lamp or light switch that you can easily reach without getting out of bed.
• Use nightlights in the bedroom, bathroom and hallways.
• Keep a flashlight with fresh batteries in each room.
• Have light switches at both ends of halls and stairs.
• Install handrails on both sides of the stairs.
• Turn on the lights when entering the house.

In the bathroom:

• Install grab bars in the shower, tub and toilet areas.
• Use nonslip adhesive strips or a mat in the the shower or tub.
• Consider sitting on a bench or stool in the shower.
• Use an elevated toilet seat or commode.

When walking:

• Use all helping devices such as canes or walkers as directed by your healthcare provider.
• Wear nonslip, low-heeled shoes that fit snugly. Don’t walk around in stocking feet.

Other things to remember:

• Review medications with your doctor or pharmacist. Some drugs including over-the-counter medications can make you drowsy, dizzy and unsteady.
• Discuss safe amounts of alcohol intake with your doctor.
• Have your hearing and eyesight tested. Inner ear conditions can interfere with your balance and vision problems can make it difficult to see potential fall hazards.
• Exercise regularly to improve muscle flexibility, strength and balance. Speak to your healthcare provider about which exercises are safe for you.
• If you feel dizzy or light-headed sit down or stay seated until your head clears. Change positions from laying down to sitting to standing slowly to avoid unsteadiness.

The care managers at Distinctive Care Geriatric Care Management always perform a home safety assessment to identify potential fall risks in the home and develop interventions to reduce the risk. Each Client is also assessed for their potential risk for falls.

Distinctive Care is centrally located in Bergen County and provided care management services in Bergen, Passaic and Essex County and the surrounding areas and in New York we currently service Rockland, Westchester and Orange County.

If you have any questions about this topic or anything else related to elder care please contact our Administrator, Mark Heftler at 201-857-5283.