Did you know that falls are the leading cause of injury for adults 65 and older, with over 14 million adults reporting falling yearly?[1] While most falls are unexpected accidents, there are some steps that can be taken to lower the risk assisted living facilities take precautions to prevent seniors from falling and keep them safe. As we take a closer look at these precautions, we’ll also share the assisted living facility options Encore Communities offers.
Why is Falling So Common Among Seniors?
While each person is different, some common factors that make seniors more prone to falling are:[2]
- Age-related muscle mass loss
- Problems with balance
- Blood pressure drops
- Chronic conditions such as arthritis and Parkinson’s Disease
- Medications that suppress the nervous system
When seniors fall, the impact can include fractures, spine and hip injuries, and head injuries. Falls can also have a psychological effect, as many seniors may fear moving around after falling. This can cause them to isolate themselves, leading to more health problems.
Reducing Falls at an Assisted Living Facility
Assisted living facilities take steps to help reduce falls. These include:
Assess Risk
When someone enters an assisted living facility, they should undergo a fall risk assessment. This can include looking at any past falls and any current mobility issues. Muscle strength and balance may also be tested to determine a resident’s health. Once this is complete, staff will have a clearer understanding of a patient’s needs to help reduce their risk of falling.
Keeping the Environment Safe
Assisted living facilities promote safety and check for issues that can lead to falls, such as poor lighting, slippery surfaces, and loose rugs. Helping residents reduce clutter within their private living quarters can reduce falls, as does adequate lighting in common areas and private rooms.
Implement Exercise Programs
Studies show that regular exercise can reduce the risk of falls by 23%.[3] Many assisted living facilities provide exercise programs to help residents improve their strength and balance. Yoga and other activities can help to prevent falls and improve seniors’ overall health and well-being. With these programs, seniors can work independently to avoid injury while maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Providing Help with Daily Activities
Daily activities such as showering can present a fall risk for seniors with balance issues. Assisted living facilities can help residents with this area and with other daily activities. This type of help may not be available in their regular home setting, making assisted living a good option for people who need this type of help.
Monitor Medications
Monitoring residents’ medications can help prevent falls. Ensuring that the proper dosages are being taken can prevent dizziness and other factors that can lead to falls. If medication is being taken inappropriately, it can lead to many other health problems as well.
Encourage Regular Eye and Hearing Tests
When seniors are at an assisted living facility, staff can encourage regular hearing and eye testing. Changes in sight and hearing can lead to an increased risk of falls. With the proper vision and hearing aids, seniors can be more alert, which can help to keep them safe.
Explore Assisted Living Facility Options with Encore Communities
Assisted living options are available at two Encore Communities facilities. Our Clearbrook Inn location in Silverdale, WA, provides residents with customized care while still allowing them to live as independently as possible. Residents can choose from studio and one and two-bedroom apartments. Each includes three nutritious meals and snacks, a walk-in shower, weekly linen service, housekeeping, and much more.
Our Laurel Cove Community in Shoreline, WA, provides studio and one-bedroom apartments. Each includes weekly housekeeping, regular wellness checks, and daily social activities. Both of our assisted living options are staffed with talented professionals. We assess each resident’s needs to ensure they receive the proper care. You can feel confident that your loved one is in a safe environment at Encore Communities.
Call us today or reach out to us online to learn more about our senior assisted living options and to schedule a tour.
Sources:
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/falls/data-research/index.html
[3] https://ijbnpa.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12966-020-01041-3
Dan is Vice President, Marketing of the Alumus family of companies. A Seattle native, he earned his BA in Humanities and Political Science at Evergreen State College. He started his career as a newspaper columnist, eventually transitioning into marketing and tech writing for Microsoft and several other startups. He later launched a successful creative agency focused on branding, digital marketing, and content production in Los Angeles, where he worked for several nursing and behavioral health clients, eventually becoming the National Marketing Director for one of them.
He has taught Vipassana mindfulness meditation and MBSR and spends whatever free time he has with his son snowboarding, hiking, and camping in the mountains.
