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Protecting older people from falls

As people get older, they can become more susceptible to falls because of increased use of medications, disorders that affect the joints (such as arthritis) or nervous system (such as Parkinson’s disease), and age-related changes such as decreased vision and hearing. Add such factors as reduced muscle strength and poorly designed living spaces, and the chances of falling rise significantly. Falls can result in serious injuries, such as hip fractures, that can make the difference between a person’s being able to live independently and losing his or her independence. To reduce the risk of falling, changes may have to be made to an older person’s home. The nature and extent of the changes will depend on his or her physical condition and needs. These changes could be as uncomplicated as moving furniture or as extensive as adding a room. The most important changes to consider are providing adequate lighting, removing clutter, and altering or eliminating slippery surfaces.

Older people need more light than younger people to see properly. Place high-watt bulbs in lamps, and install night-lights in hallways and bathrooms and on stairs. Spatial perception also declines with age, so it’s a good idea to have noticeable color contrast between the floors and walls (preferably light carpeting or flooring and dark walls) to prevent bumping into walls. Mark the edge of each stair tread with a contrasting color, and paint or carpet the first and last step with a different color as a cue that steps are beginning or ending. Make sure there is enough contrast between the threshold and the adjoining floor to minimize tripping. Install handrails on both sides of all stairways, including those outside the front and back doors of the home.

Try to minimize changes in the surfaces of floors. Shag carpeting is especially dangerous because it can get caught on toes, canes, and walkers. Avoid using area rugs that can slip or that can trip a person when the edges turn up.

In the bathroom, install two grab bars in the tub or shower area, one positioned for support when getting in and one inside for exiting. They should be parallel to the floor, and their height should be determined by the height of the person most likely to use them. Be sure to attach the grab bars to an underlying stud so they do not pull away from the wall when in use. Put another grab bar next to the toilet in a position that is best for the user. Make sure the bathroom floor has rough, slip-resistant tile because an older person may not be able to wipe up spills and splashes right away. Place a rubber mat or slip-resistant stickers inside the tub.

Older people who use a wheelchair or walker will benefit from wider doors. If possible, increase the door widths to 30 inches, especially in the bathroom. Install a ramp up to the front door for wheelchair access.

Using Medications Safely

When you take different medicines, it can be difficult to remember what each drug is for, how to take it, and when. Expired medications have a way of accumulating, and may lose their potency or undergo a potentially dangerous change in their chemical makeup. You and your family should learn about the medicines you take—both prescription and over the counter—to make sure that you are using them correctly. Here are some tips to help you avoid costly or life-threatening mistakes:

• Make a checklist of all the medicines you take every day, including the name, amount, and times you take them. Put one copy with your medications and another in your wallet.

• Check the label on the container before you take a drug to make sure it is the right one. Never take medications in the dark.

• Take the medication exactly as your doctor prescribed it.

• Don’t take medications that are past their expiration date. Check the dates and throw away any medications that have expired.

• Never take medication that has been prescribed for someone else.

• Don’t stop taking a drug unless your doctor says it is OK to do so—even if you feel better.

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