Preventing falls among older people and patients needing nursing care

Preventing falls among older people and patients needing nursing care at home!

Falls are more common in old age and among patients who need nursing care; they threaten independence, cause fractures and harm quality of life. The likelihood of falling at home increases when a person is ill, feels weak or tired, or has balance problems or impaired vision. Medications such as blood pressure tablets, muscle relaxants and sleeping pills increase the risk of falls by making the patient feel weak, drowsy or confused.

How to prevent falls at home:

• Physical activity: keep physically active on a regular basis, focusing on exercises aimed at improving balance and strengthening the leg muscles.
• Physiotherapy: strengthening the muscles of the lower and upper limbs to improve grip and balance.
• Eye checks: diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts, as well as the use of medications, can impair vision and increase the chance of falling.
• Special shoes: make sure to wear only shoes with a firm, flat, non-slip sole.
• Keep the floor clean and dry.
• Keep the home safe and tidy: pick up books, dishes, shoes or clothes that are on the floor.
• Move low coffee tables, shelves and plants away from walkways.
• Keep personal items within reach.
• Make the bathroom safer: install a non-slip adhesive rubber mat in the shower or bathtub. Install grab bars in the shower, the bathtub and next to the toilet.

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