Everybody falls, no matter what age. However, for many older adults, an unexpected fall can result in a serious and costly injury. The good news is that most falls can be prevented. As the caregiver, you have the power to reduce your loved one’s risk of falling, and your own fall risk as well. You can be a partner and a participant in falls prevention.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), millions of older adults 65 and older fall each year. For the aging population, falling is the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of non-fatal hospital admissions.
If you are the caregiver of an elderly relative or friend, the home is often the place you spend hours with your loved one. Unfortunately, many homes present numerous unforeseen hazards for people with limited mobility, unsteady balance and/or poor vision. A falls prevention guide or checklist can assist you in identifying unsafe areas in the home and offers suggestions to reduce the risk of fall related injuries and deaths.