Fall prevention: How to avoid falls!

One wrong step - and everything changes. A fall can not only lead to serious injuries, but can also permanently impair your confidence in your own movement. Many people who have fallen avoid walking or climbing stairs afterwards. But it is precisely this withdrawal that is the real danger, as a lack of movement leads to a loss of muscle strength and balance.

The good news: Many falls can be avoided. With simple adjustments to everyday life, targeted exercises and the right way to deal with fear and uncertainty, you can preserve your loved one's independence. In this guide, you will learn how to Falls in old age and which effective measures really help.

A health care worker assists an elderly woman in using her walker in a modern home, promoting her mobility and independence.

 

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What is fall prevention?

Fall prevention encompasses all measures that minimize the risk of falling. It often starts in the mind - by overcoming fears - and continues with targeted exercises and adapting the environment. The aim is to Mobility and quality of life while promoting autonomy. It's not about restricting freedoms, but about providing more security so that your loved ones can move freely again.

What are the risk factors?

Why do people actually fall? It is often an unfortunate combination of several factors. Perhaps your father has already taken the potatoes out of the cellar hundreds of times and suddenly he stumbles. The lack of understanding for the reduced agility is often very great and so the uncertainty also grows.

As a relative, you often have a more objective view and can better assess existing risks, even if your family member may be ashamed to ask for help. In general, the risk factors can be divided into three categories:

  • Personal risk factors: These include health restrictions such as muscle weakness, dizziness, balance problems or pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or Dementia. Vision problems, incontinence or previous falls also increase the risk.
  • Environmental risk factors: The home itself can become a hazard. Loose carpets, unsecured cables, wet floors, missing handrails or poor lighting are the most common tripping hazards. A boisterous pet can also pose a danger.
  • Medication-Related Risk Factors: Certain medications - such as antihypertensives, sleeping pills or sedatives - can cause side effects such as dizziness or fatigue and thus increase the risk of falling. Be sure to talk to your doctor about this.

 

Caregiver helps an elderly man get out of a wheelchair to help him with mobility management.

 

Effective measures and practical tips

With the right steps, you can do a lot to increase safety in everyday life. It is important to coordinate every measure with your family member. Together, you can find solutions that increase quality of life instead of restricting it.

Making the living environment safe

A fall-proof home gives confidence and security. It's often the little things that make a big difference. Eliminate tripping hazards such as loose rugs, move furniture to create more space and ensure good lighting in all rooms.

 

Home adaptations for more safety

area measure Can be implemented immediately?
Bathroom Grab rails, non-slip mats ✅
Hallway/stairs Motion detector, additional handrails ✅
Living area Remove tripping hazards, secure furniture ✅
Bedroom Night light, non-slip rugs ✅
General Organize cables, fix loose carpets ✅

 

Targeted movement and exercises

Exercise and targeted training strengthen the muscles and improve balance. Studies show that regular training can significantly reduce the risk of falling. It's best to do the exercises together - not only is it more fun, but you can also make sure that your family member does them safely. Don't put pressure on them, but encourage them to exercise at their own pace. A physiotherapist can suggest suitable exercises.

 

Simple exercises for more mobility

exercise Goal Tools necessary?
Stand up & Sit down Strengthen leg strength ❌
Go sideways Improve balance ❌
Standing on one leg Promote balance ❌
Wall push-up Strengthen upper body ❌
Practicing climbing stairs Strengthen endurance & leg muscles ✅

 

Using tools correctly

Aids are not a restriction, but an opportunity for more freedom! They provide stability and security.

  • Non-slip shoes: Good footwear is crucial, especially for walking outside. Make sure that the soles provide good support and that your family member can put the shoes on easily (e.g. with Velcro fasteners instead of laces).
  • Home emergency call systems:A home emergency call system offers quick help at the touch of a button and can significantly reduce fears of being alone. This provides security - not only for those affected, but also for you.
  • Walking aids: Whether it's a rollator or walking stick - choose an aid that suits your individual condition and can be tried out before you buy.

 

Senior with walker on a cobblestone street

 

Communicating with the right attitude

The fear of further accidents is often great, especially after a fall. Many older people find it difficult to accept their physical changes. The right communication is therefore crucial. Instead of saying: "Watch out, the stairs are dangerous!", try: "Let's take the walking stick with us, then you'll be even safer on the stairs." The tone makes the music. By emphasizing the strengths and not the weaknesses, you will achieve more cooperation.

 

What to do if a fall does happen?

Sometimes a fall cannot be avoided despite all caution. In this situation, it is important to react correctly to prevent further injuries.

  1. Keep calm and speak up: Stay calm and speak to the person. "Are you feeling okay? Are you in pain?"
  2. Don't help immediately: If you suspect injury, don't try to pull the person up immediately. This could make the injury worse.
  3. Call for help: If your loved one cannot get up or is in severe pain, call 911 immediately 112.
  4. Keep a fall log: After the fall, it is important to analyze the situation. What was the cause? When and where did it happen? What was done? This information is important for the doctor and for future fall prevention unreliable.

Together instead of alone: noracares as your partner

Having to manage everything on your own as a relative can be overwhelming. A professional caregiver can relieve you and at the same time implement fall prevention consistently. They can:

  • identify and eliminate sources of danger.
  • Integrate targeted exercises into everyday life.

  • Provide empathetic support to reduce anxiety.

     

noracares supports you in finding exactly the right caregiver - someone who not only has specialist knowledge, but also heart. So you can rest assured that your loved ones are in safe hands and you have more time for the good times.

 

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A fall does not mean the end of independence, but is often just a turning point that prompts us to take a closer look and take action. Fall prevention is a shared journey - a journey on which you show your loved ones that their safety and enjoyment of life are your top priority.

Always remember: You don't have to face this challenge alone. There are effective methods, there is support, and there are people who are passionate about this task. noracares connects you with experienced Nurses, who not only understand the professional side, but also the human side.

You can do it.

 

A turquoise banner with white text that reads 'Nora's Frequently Asked Questions'. On the right is an illustrated avatar figure of a nurse with blonde hair wearing a turquoise nurse's cap with a white cross, a white collar and a stethoscope around her neck
Fall prevention includes all measures that help to reduce the risk of falls. These include adapting the living space (e.g. grab rails), targeted balance and strength training, checking medication and using suitable aids.
Relatives can do a lot to prevent falls: remove tripping hazards in the home, talk to the doctor about medication, encourage joint exercise and have empathetic conversations about fears and safety.
Targeted exercises strengthen muscles and balance. These include, for example, standing up and sitting down from a chair, walking sideways along a wall or standing on one leg. It is important to perform the exercises regularly and safely.
You can create a fall-proof home by removing carpets and cables in the walkway, illuminating all rooms well, installing grab rails in the bathroom and on stairs and installing non-slip mats in the shower and bathtub.

 

Graphic logo of Nora's treasure trove of knowledge, a collection of information for nursing staff. Ideal for presenting nursing knowledge and advice.
  • Mobility: The ability of a person to move safely and independently.
  • Fall prevention:A technical term for all preventive measures to avoid falls or reduce the risk of falling.
  • Sarcopenia:The age-related, progressive loss of muscle mass and muscle strength that impairs mobility and quality of life.
  • Dysphagia:A swallowing disorder that makes eating and drinking difficult and often occurs in conjunction with neurological disorders.
  • Home emergency call system:A system that makes it possible to make an emergency call in emergency situations (e.g. after a fall).for example after a fall) to quickly call for help at the touch of a button.

 

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