A Caregiver's Guide to Injuries and Fall Prevention

Many older people fear falling. That’s because a fall can change their lives and destroy their independence. Something as simple as losing footing on a slick floor or tripping over something left on the floor can permanently change someone’s mobility. For older people, a fall can easily turn into a hospital stay, lingering injury, or even the start of a long-term disability. Caregivers also fear that an older person they are responsible for could fall and get injured.

Causes of Falls

The first step toward preventing falls is to understand why they happen. Scientists have identified certain risk factors that make a person more likely to have a bad fall.

Bad eyesight and reflexes can lead to a fall.
Medical issues can impact balance. These include thyroid problems, diabetes, nerve issues, foot problems, and heart disease.
Some medications induce sleepiness or dizziness, both of which make falling more likely.
Footwear can also cause falls. For example, improper fit, high heels, and backless shoes are all likely to contribute to a fall.
Confusion is a major cause of falls.

Fall Prevention

One important way to prevent falls is to make sure that the overall health and well-being of the older person are looked after.

Clothing should not drag the floor and should fit properly. Baggy clothes can cause feet to catch in hemlines or catch on a nail or splinter going through a doorway.
Regular movement keeps people fit and strong.
People who need glasses should wear them whenever they are moving around and should have their eyes retested regularly.
If a medication makes an older person dizzy or abnormally sleepy, their doctor should be notified.
Drinking alcohol makes a fall more likely. Older people are more likely to fracture a hip if they were drinking before they fell.
Older people should stand up slowly to help their blood pressure stay steady.
Anyone who needs an assistive device like a cane or walker should use it when moving around.
Care should be taken when walking on slippery surfaces.
Floors and staircases should be free of tripping hazards, including small rugs.

Lessening the Impact of a Fall

One of the best ways to survive a fall is to have strong bones. It’s especially important for the elderly to work to maintain good bone density.

People who are neither underweight nor obese survive falls with few injuries.
Carpeting is better for older people since it cushions the blow of a fall.
Grab bars can also help older people catch themselves if they start to fall.
People who are unsteady on their feet should always be supervised when moving around.

What to Do if Someone Falls

A fall can be terrifying to witness. If someone falls, it’s important that those in charge of helping them remain calm. The caregiver should take several deep breaths before proceeding.

It’s vital to help the person who fell to remain calm. Encourage them to stay still on the ground for at least a few minutes.
See if the person can roll onto their side unassisted.
If they can roll, encourage them to rest so that their blood pressure can even back out.
Don’t encourage someone to sit or stand up before they are ready. Moving the wrong way can worsen a personal injury sustained in the fall.
It’s important to know when to ask for help getting someone up or if it’s better to call 911 because the person may be seriously injured.
If it’s deemed safe for the person to stand back up, have them use a sturdy piece of furniture to brace against as they rise, keeping one foot flat on the floor.

Additional Resources

Jeffrey Nadrich

Jeffrey Nadrich is a California plaintiff’s personal injury attorney. He is a graduate of UC Berkeley and University of California College of the Law, San Francisco. Since 1990, he has successfully represented thousands of injury clients.