Has your mom started reaching for the wall when she walks down the hallway? Does your dad seem less steady getting out of his favorite chair?
Small changes like these are worth noticing.
Falls are a serious concern as we age, but there are steps older adults and their families can take to reduce the risk. Paying attention to changes in how someone walks or moves is a good place to start.
“Sometimes a family member is the first person to notice that something has changed,” said Ghena Wilson, RN-BC, Corporate Director of Clinical Services at Morning Pointe Senior Living. “Maybe a loved one is moving more slowly or seems less confident on their feet. Those observations are important and worth sharing with their health care provider.”
Know what to watch for
A change in balance may be obvious, but sometimes the signs are more subtle.
Watch how your loved one gets up from a chair and moves around the home. Notice whether they have started holding onto furniture or avoiding certain activities because they do not feel as steady.
Dizziness or lightheadedness should also be discussed with a health care provider. Medications can sometimes affect balance or alertness, so regular medication reviews are important, particularly when a prescription has recently changed.
Vision changes can make it harder to judge steps or see something in a walkway. Regular vision care is another part of reducing fall risk.
And if someone has already fallen or nearly fallen, tell their health care provider. That information can help determine whether further evaluation is needed.
Look at the home differently
Take a walk through your loved one’s home with safety in mind.
A rug that has been in the same spot for 20 years can still become a tripping hazard. An extension cord across a walkway matters. So does a dark hallway on the way to the bathroom at night.
Bathrooms deserve particular attention because wet surfaces can be slippery. Grab bars and nonslip surfaces may help make everyday routines safer.
Also look at the shoes your loved one wears most often. Properly fitting, supportive footwear can make a difference.
The goal is not to change everything about the home. It is to notice what could make everyday movement safer.
Staying active is part of the conversation
Being concerned about falls does not mean an older adult should stop moving.
Maintaining strength and balance can help support safer movement. A physician or physical therapist can help determine which activities are appropriate based on an individual’s health and abilities.
Fear can sometimes change behavior after a fall, too. Someone may stop taking a walk they previously enjoyed or become hesitant about getting up without help.
That is something families should talk about rather than dismiss.
“We want older adults to be safe, but we also want to support their ability to keep doing the things they can do,” Wilson said. “Understanding what has changed can help us determine what support may be appropriate.”
What should you do after a fall?
Do not immediately try to pull someone to their feet.
First, determine whether the person is hurt. If there is significant pain, an obvious injury, a head injury, loss of consciousness, or the person cannot safely get up, seek emergency medical help.
Even when someone appears to be OK, let their health care provider know that a fall occurred.
Then look beyond the fall itself.
What was happening immediately beforehand? Did the person feel dizzy when standing? Was something in the walkway? Have there been other recent changes in walking or balance?
Those details may help a health care provider identify what contributed to the fall and what should happen next.
An extra set of eyes can help
For families, especially those who cannot be with an aging loved one every day, it can be difficult to know when something has changed.
That is one of the ways a senior living community can provide additional support.
At Morning Pointe Senior Living, regular assessments and ongoing observation help the care team understand each resident’s needs and recognize changes that may need attention. Staff can communicate concerns with residents and families and help connect them with appropriate health care resources when needed.
It is not about taking independence away. It is about paying attention.
“If you are noticing changes in a parent or loved one and you are not sure what they mean, start the conversation,” Wilson said. “Ask questions. Talk with their health care provider. And if you need another resource, we are always glad to listen and help families better understand what support may be available.”
You do not have to wait for a fall to start thinking about fall prevention. Watching for changes and asking questions early can help families make informed decisions about an aging loved one’s safety and support.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your health care provider with questions or concerns.
