When we care for someone who has decreased mobility, the biggest challenge is preventing falls. Falls are a major cause of hospitalization and often may lead to untimely death in an older adult. Helping an older person feel steady on their feet can reduce fall risk.
Increasingly we see people using walkers to steady their gait. Caregivers need to know how to guide someone who uses a walker; it is important to know how to help them use it safely. When purchasing a walker, get one that is easy to fold. It will make transporting your loved one much easier. It is very important before using a walker that you remove any loose rugs from the floors and remove any clutter that might become a tripping risk. The person using the walker should wear flat, rubber soled shoes.
When someone you care for is preparing to sit make sure the chair is directly behind them and all four tips of the walker are on the floor. Have your loved one back up slowly, until the edge of the chair is against the back of their legs. With one hand, have him/her reach back and find the arm of the chair. Grab the arm of the chair and release the other hand from the walker and then reach back and grab the other arm of the chair. Make certain your loved one uses their arms to gradually lower themselves into the chair. Once on the seat, have them slide back into the chair. It is very important to remind them NOT TO PLOP!
In addition to the walker, there are other low-tech things you can do to reduce hall risk by preventing slips and trips:
- A "slip" occurs when there is too little traction or friction between the shoe and walking surface. A slip most often results in the person falling backward.
- A "trip" occurs when a person’s foot contacts an object in their way or drops to a lower level unexpectedly, causing them to be thrown off-balance.
- A "fall" occurs when you are too far off-balance.
Most slip, trip and fall incidents are preventable with general precautions and safety measures. The best way to help your loved one prevent injuries such as these is to remind them to be aware of where they are going and pay attention to the walking surface.
Anti-slip floor tape can help combat the common causes of slips and falls. Using an anti-slip tape alerts those walking that a slip hazard is present, while protecting them against slippage. The tape is easy to apply to any surface and lasts a long time. It provides an anti-slip surface and can be used indoors and outdoors. Use it on the floor of the tub, around grab bars, in front of the toilet, on the floor alongside the bed, on stairs & ramps, on walker tray surfaces and in front of your loved ones’ favorite chair.
It is important to remember that when your loved one feels strong, they are more confident in their ambulation and less likely to fall. At every age older adults are capable of improving their strength. Simple chair exercises done for brief intervals throughout the week can help your loved one build strength and improve balance. They’ll feel better and they’ll be safer.