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Prevention of falls in the elderly in the home environment

  • Writer: Hugo Oliveira
    Hugo Oliveira
  • Sep 7
  • 4 min read

Falls among the elderly are a common occurrence in this age group. Mobility is no longer what it used to be, and problems such as imbalance, tripping, weakness, and other issues emerge.

Some risk factors, including limited physical activity and inadequate home adaptations, contribute to a greater tendency to fall . Therefore, fall prevention in the elderly plays an extremely important role at this stage of life.


Risk factors for falls in the elderly

Preventing falls? Yes, it's possible. It's possible to identify some risk factors that contribute to the increase in falls and thus prevent them. Why do older adults fall? There are reasons related to the individual. and, on the other hand, with the environment .


Due to the elderly person himself

  • Change in gait;

  • Inadequate posture;

  • Decreased vision;

  • Decreased balance;

  • Decreased muscle strength;

  • Diseases (osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease);

  • Use of certain medications (diuretics, laxatives, blood pressure medication);

  • Dementia;

  • Denial of fragility;

  • Anxiety and depression.


Due to the surrounding environment

It's well known that many aspects can be controlled by third parties. Therefore, it's important to pay attention to the health, well-being, and mobility of seniors, as well as to what they wear and how their home is organized.


Complications of falls in the elderly

A fall in the elderly can have particularly serious consequences . Due to their advanced age, they no longer have the same regenerative capacity. Furthermore, conditions such as osteoporosis increase the risk of more serious fractures . These falls can lead to complications that compromise the elderly's mobility and ability to perform daily tasks, affecting their quality of life, such as:

  • Brain injuries;

  • Muscle damage;

  • Fractures.

Falls can also cause psychological impacts , such as changes in the elderly person's self-perception, loss of confidence, fear, embarrassment, and depression . For the caregiver, falls also pose additional challenges, ranging from changes in family dynamics to extra costs, increased emotional and physical pressure, and even feelings of guilt and exhaustion.


Prevention of falls in the elderly

There are two ways to avoid a high number of falls.

On the one hand, regular physical exercise is essential , as it improves physical fitness and strengthens muscles and bones in seniors. Additionally, a healthy diet is essential, as it provides the vitamins and nutrients they need most. Finally, meticulously organizing the elderly's living space is vital to drastically reduce falls.


1. Physical exercise

Physical exercise in preventing falls in the elderly is extremely important, let's see:

  • Improves reaction time;

  • Improves flexibility and balance;

  • Improves strength;

  • Reduces bone mass loss.


Physical activity is essential for older adults, especially those with balance difficulties. However, it's important that these exercises be performed safely, whether seated or with support. However , if pain or discomfort occurs at any time, the exercise should be stopped immediately.


Recommended physical exercise for the elderly


  1. Trunk raise: Sit and stand without using your hands for support. Perform 8 repetitions.

  2. Leg raises: From a seated position, raise your leg to waist level. Do this 6 to 8 times.

  3. Leg abduction: While still seated, move your leg sideways, gently raising it. Repeat 6 to 8 times.

  4. Alternate legs: Lying on your back, alternately raise your right and left legs. Do 10 repetitions.

  5. Knee flexion and extension: With support, flex and extend your knee, alternating between your right and left leg. Perform 10 repetitions.

  6. Heel Raises: Rise and lower yourself onto your toes. Repeat 10 times.

  7. Balancing: Keeping your feet on the floor, balance your body for 30 seconds.

  8. Trunk rotation: With your hands on your hips, rotate your torso to the right and left. Do this 20 times.

  9. Arm circular motion: Extend your arms and make circular motions, alternating between upward and downward directions, for 20 seconds. Repeat twice.

  10. Linear gait: Walk, preferably with support, along an imaginary straight line.


2. Maintain environmental safety

Adapting the environment is essential to ensure safety and fluidity. Piling up furniture and having too many rugs can be counterproductive to the safety of older adults.

Let us take into account three fundamental aspects:

  • We must increase the mobility of the elderly without compromising their autonomy;

  • Safety is more important than aesthetics;

  • The environment must be adapted to the needs of the elderly person, taking into account the other people living in the home.


What to do in case of a fall?


It's vital for older adults to have strategies in place in case of a fall. Post-fall awareness is crucial for rapid intervention in the event of a serious fall. In any situation, it's recommended that older adults always carry their cell phone so that, if they can't get up, they can call for help—family or professional help.


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Instructions for assisting an elderly person after a fall


1. If the elderly person does not have intense or localized pain and can move:

  • First, have him sit calmly on the floor;

  • Place a chair next to him;

  • Stand behind the elderly person and hold them by their pants, using their belt or waistband for support;

  • Help him stand up and sit in the chair. Allow him to breathe and calm down.


2. If the elderly person lives alone and can get up on their own after a fall:

  • The elderly person should start by rolling over onto their stomach and then try to position themselves on all fours;

  • Approach a sturdy piece of furniture, placing your hands on it;

  • Place one foot firmly on the floor and make the effort to stand up;

  • If possible, sit down to rest.


3. If the elderly person cannot get up alone:

  • If the elderly person experiences severe, disabling pain after a fall, they should seek help. Use a cell phone if it's accessible or make noise, such as banging an object. They should avoid prolonged screaming, as it can be exhausting.

  • While waiting for help, the elderly person should try to stay warm using nearby objects, such as rugs or coats.


Prevention is the best medicine


If you're a caregiver or family member, acknowledge the complaints of the elderly person in your care. Remember that the elderly person's home should be a safe haven, so help them get rid of any traps they may still have around the house.

The Hug Group has fully trained caregivers to help seniors reorganize and feel safer in their homes.


Do not hesitate to contact us for home support .

 
 
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