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How to Assist Family Members and Patients to Prevent Falls

Are You at High-Risk for Falling
26 February 2024
Are You at High-Risk for Falling

In Israel, approximately 1,000 older adults fall every day. People who have fallen in the past report more falls, and falls may be dangerous: many cause wounds, fractures, and even severe injuries.

There are several measures that you, family members, and caregivers of older adults, can take to prevent such incidents:

  1. Initiate an open conversation on the issue and assess the risks of falls
  2. Consult with medical experts
  3. Encourage your family members to engage in physical activity, particularly exercises that focus on enhancing balance and strengthening leg muscles
  4. Assist your family members and patients in scheduling regular appointments for various examinations, including vision, hearing, foot health, and the adjustment of hearing aids and glasses
  5. Customize the home environment: remove floor obstacles, install handrails, and improve the lighting

According to data, approximately 1,000 older adults fall in Israel every day, with one in four individuals aged 65 and over reporting at least one fall in the past year.

Based on the gathered information regarding the issue, it has been revealed that people who have experienced previous falls report an increased incidence of falls.

Falls can be dangerous: many of them cause injuries, a loss of independence, and some even fatalities.

It is important to note that approximately 45% of falls occur within the home settings. Therefore, it is crucial to implement various measures to ensure home safety.

What can be done to prevent falls among family members or patients?

Falls can be prevented, and you, family members, and caregivers, can contribute by taking the following actions:

Initiate an open conversation about the issue

Have an open conversation with your family members and patients about the issue of falls, especially if there have been previous falls or there is a risk of falling. It is essential to be attentive to any side effects the patient may have, such as drowsiness or dizziness, that may also increase the risk of falls.

Try to understand whether your family member is at risk of falling

  • Have your family members or patients fallen in the previous year?
  • Do they feel imbalanced while standing or walking?
  • Do they fear falling?

If you responded affirmatively to any of the questions, your family members or patients should be referred for further medical evaluation and appropriate referrals to specialists, if necessary. Furthermore, you can complete the risk assessment questionnaire for falls together with your family member.

Consult with medical professionals

  • Update your family doctor on any incident of a family member or patient falling, if there is a fear of falling, or if they find it difficult to maintain their balance
  • Consult with a physiotherapist regarding the need for a balance test
  • Discuss with your family doctor whether taking a vitamin D supplement is necessary to improve and strengthen bones and muscles

It is essential to keep an updated list of medications your family members or patients consume regularly, including off-the-counter drugs and food additives. Additionally, consult with the medical team (doctor, pharmacist) to understand potential side effects and the risk of falls. The medication list your family member consumes can be obtained from the HMO for monitoring purposes, and some of the HMOs store this information in the personal area on their website or the HMO’s mobile application.

Additional information about medications that increase the risk of falling

Physical activity

  • Physical activity and movement can help enhance the confidence of older adults, as well as improve their overall wellbeing
  • Physical activity, which is recommended for preventing falls, includes exercises for promoting balance and for strengthening leg muscles, for instance, exercising with weights, Tai Chi, etc.
  • Consult with your medical caregivers (doctors, physiotherapists, etc.) about the type of activity recommended for your family members. Additionally, check which activities are available in your area of residence.

Additional information about physical activity for older age

Periodical check-ups: vision, hearing, and foot health

  • Routine check-ups for vision, hearing, and foot health can play a vital role in preventing deterioration and minimizing the risk of falls. Therefore, it is vital to ensure that your family members undergo these examinations once a year or as required.
  • Ensure that the glasses and hearing aids suit your family members and that they use them
  • Check the possibility of customizing shoes and consult your family doctor to determine if a referral to a foot specialist is necessary

Customizing the home environment

  • Remove any obstacles or potential tripping hazards from the floor to prevent falls
  • Remove rugs or attach them to the floor with a double-sided adhesive to prevent any movement
  • Install safety handrails and sufficient lighting in every staircase
  • Make sure the house is well-lit

Further information on safe home environment to prevent falls