The Importance of Fall Prevention Awareness in Senior Care
Many falls can be prevented. This guide covers the medication side effects that raise fall risk and four steps families can take now.
Why falls matter more with dementia
According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of injury, fatal and non-fatal, among Americans 65 and older. For someone living with dementia, one fall can mean a broken bone, a head injury, a hospital stay and a lasting loss of independence. Falling isn’t an automatic part of getting older, though. Many falls can be prevented.
The medication connection
Medicines for sleep, mood, pain, anxiety and blood pressure can affect balance, alertness, vision and walking. The CDC notes that fall risk goes up with each added medication and recommends a medication review every year for adults 65 and older. The Oregon Department of Human Services made the same point to care providers in Provider Alert ODHS-26-048.
Watch for these side effects:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness when standing up, caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure.
- Blurred vision, disorientation or shuffling steps, which some anticholinergics, antipsychotics and diuretics can cause.
- Daytime drowsiness and slow reflexes from sleep aids and sedatives, which make it harder to catch yourself after a stumble.
Four steps for families
- Ask for a medication review. Request one from the primary care doctor or pharmacist every year, and again after any hospital stay or change in health.
- Write down near falls. Stumbles, reaching for walls and morning dizziness often come before a serious fall. Specific notes give the doctor something to act on.
- Stand up in stages. Sit up in bed and pause. Put both feet flat on the floor and pause. Then stand slowly.
- Fix the home. Light nighttime walkways with motion lights, remove throw rugs, install solid grab bars in the bathroom and keep a phone or call button within easy reach.
How we’re planning for it
At Majestic Ridge, resident suites are designed without area rugs, and we’re planning a higher caregiver-to-resident ratio so help is closer at hand. You can read more in our article, The Importance of Fall Prevention Awareness in Senior Care.
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Download the guide (PDF)Common questions
What medications increase fall risk in older adults?
Common ones include sleep aids and sedatives, some antidepressants and anti-anxiety medicines, pain medicines, blood pressure drugs, diuretics, anticholinergics and antipsychotics. Risk rises with each added medication. Don't stop any medication on your own; ask the doctor or pharmacist for a review.
How often should a senior's medications be reviewed?
The CDC recommends a medication review at least once a year for adults 65 and older. Families should also ask for one after any hospital stay or major change in health.
What is a near fall, and why track it?
A stumble, a grab for the wall or dizziness on standing that doesn't end in a fall. Near falls often come before a serious fall, and a written record gives the doctor something specific to act on.
What home changes reduce fall risk?
Light the path to the bathroom at night, remove throw rugs, install grab bars by the toilet and shower, and keep a phone or call button within reach.