Submitted by Beth Rush
Founder and Managing Editor
Body+Mind Magazine
It may be difficult to guard our elders from falling, however including dementia into the combination could make it harder in addition to irritating. Stopping falls in seniors with Alzheimer’s illness or different dementias entails planning alongside a number of approaches.
Caring for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s illness, or different dementias can include all types of challenges, and a kind of contains interventions for falls. A easy journey or stumble can rapidly result in critical accidents and a decline in total well being.
Households and caregivers typically really feel a heavy burden, questioning the way to create a safer residing setting with out compromising their cherished one’s independence. But, with the best instruments and ways, you may drastically scale back fall dangers and create a safer place for your beloved.
Why are seniors with dementia at greater danger of falling?
Analysis exhibits that 28% to 35% of individuals over the age of 65 expertise at the least one fall per 12 months, and the chance will increase much more for seniors with dementia. Falls in older adults with dementia are frequent, making a harmful mixture that calls for cautious consideration.
Dementia — which incorporates various symptoms impacting memory, reasoning and problem-solving — can have an effect on a senior’s capacity to get round. One of many foremost components contributing to this danger is the decline in cognition — or the mental processes involved in understanding — studying and decision-making. Should you or somebody you take care of lives with dementia, cognitive impairments might lead to disorientation, issue judging distances, or bother recognizing hazards of their house.
Motor expertise additionally take successful, making duties similar to strolling tougher. Different components result in forgetfulness when utilizing a walker or climbing stairs with out help. These results, together with different well being points — similar to poor imaginative and prescient or muscle weak spot — create an ideal storm that heightens the chance of falls.
Understanding the connection between dementia, cognition and fall danger is step one towards addressing these challenges head-on. Care companions can implement efficient methods to cut back damage and enhance on a regular basis life.
Sensible intervention ideas for falls
Stopping falls in seniors with Alzheimer’s illness or different dementias entails planning alongside a number of approaches.
1. 
Declutter residing areas
Conserving a house clutter-free is an easy but efficient option to scale back fall dangers. On a regular basis gadgets like toys left on the ground, scattered sneakers and even the sides of a rug can become dangerous tripping hazards for seniors with dementia.
It’s best to guarantee pathways are clear and that something free, like cords, is safe. Additionally, organize furnishings so that there’s room for strolling extra simply. Creating an open, organized house promotes security and reduces confusion for these with dementia.
2. Set up security options
Security options are vital in fall intervention and might make all of the distinction in each day residing. Seize bars, handrails and nonslip mats can present the soundness and assist wanted to maneuver round safely. Movement-activated nightlights are one other helpful addition, making certain that dimly lit areas are usually not hazardous after darkish.
Should you’re uncertain the place to begin, many native companies and nonprofits supply free or low-cost house security assessments to establish potential dangers. For instance, reaching out to your space’s growing old providers can present the steerage you want. They typically join caregivers with packages that help in implementing house modifications, making it simpler to create a secure house for your beloved’s wants.
3. Enhance lighting
Correct lighting is an typically ignored side of fall prevention. Poorly lit areas can create shadows or make it tough to see obstacles. Seniors with Alzheimer’s illness and different dementias may wrestle to adapt to sudden adjustments in lighting. As an example, they might have bother shifting from a brightly lit room to a darker hallway.
To cut back the dangers of falls, make sure that all rooms, hallways and staircases have vibrant sufficient, constant lighting. Smooth lighting can be essential to cut back glare, which can be disorienting.
4. 
Use assistive units
Walkers and canes are nice methods for seniors to take care of stability and stability as they transfer round. These units had been made to assist those that expertise issue with motor coordination or muscle weak spot. Nevertheless, it is very important make sure the assistive machine matches correctly and comfortably. You must also encourage and remind them to make use of their walker, as people with dementia might neglect or resist utilizing them.
For steerage on deciding on and becoming the best one, chances are you’ll seek the advice of with a bodily or occupational therapist. The National Institute of Aging (NIA) additionally presents details about these units and fall prevention methods. It offers ideas for older adults on selecting and utilizing mobility aids.
5. Select correct footwear
Footwear is surprisingly necessary in stopping falls. Sneakers which are too free, lack correct grip or have excessive heels can enhance instability, making tripping extra probably. Even carrying socks on slippery flooring can pose a danger.
As an example, you’ll have seen a cherished one shuffling by means of the home in outdated, worn-out slippers. Whereas they might really feel snug, these slippers typically lack the assist and traction to maintain them secure. Go for well-fitted, nonslip sneakers with a sturdy sole and closed again to offer most stability. For indoor use, nonslip socks could be a safer various to reveal toes.
6.
Set up routines
Constructing consistency in a senior’s life is likely one of the finest methods to cut back falls. Acquainted patterns and predictable schedules reduce confusion and nervousness, which may result in unsafe habits, similar to wandering into hazardous areas or speeding by means of duties.
For instance, setting common instances for meals, train and relaxation can create construction and make it simpler for them to go about their day. Conserving generally used gadgets in designated spots additionally ensures they at all times know the place to search out them. Repetition in each day actions can reinforce secure habits in order that they at all times know their subsequent transfer. If you set them up for achievement, you may enhance their total well-being.
7. Encourage power and stability workouts and a nutritious diet
Sustaining bodily well being and a nutritious diet enhances a senior’s high quality of life, even when they’ve Alzheimer’s illness or different dementias. High quality of life refers to a person’s overall well-being, encompassing bodily, emotional and social well being.
Enhancing bodily power and stability can promote the flexibility of seniors with dementia to have interaction in fulfilling actions, scale back fall dangers and keep their sense of independence.
Incorporating easy power and stability workouts can enhance coordination and stability.
Even when they make small, constant efforts, they’ll yield better advantages over time. These workouts can embody chair yoga, tai chi, strolling and swimming. You possibly can even find a Memory Cafe close to you, the place social occasions happen, and folks residing with dementia take part in outings and train packages.
Moreover, a nutritious diet is significant for mind and physique well being. For instance, analysis suggests consuming two or more servings of fish each week can promote fewer lesions that may have an effect on cognition and motor perform. A balanced weight loss plan of omega-3s, contemporary greens and lean proteins helps seniors keep more healthy and match.
8. 
Monitor medicine unwanted side effects
Drugs could be a hidden contributor to fall dangers. Many prescribed medicines could cause unwanted side effects like dizziness, drowsiness or impaired coordination, making falls extra probably.
A research by Cureas revealed that 75% of participants taking prescribed psychotropics — like antidepressants, benzodiazepines and antipsychotics — skilled a number of falls. Most of those incidents occurred amongst girls over 80, and lots of the falls had been dangerous.
It’s best to recurrently test medicines with well being care suppliers, discussing potential unwanted side effects and evaluating whether or not changes are obligatory. This step is particularly necessary for these taking a number of prescriptions, as drug interactions can additional heighten the probabilities of falling.
Supporting seniors with Alzheimer’s illness and different dementias by means of fall interventions
Falls are one of the vital problematic risks that seniors with dementia face. But, with the best interventions, their danger can drastically lower. Whether or not by means of clutter-free residing or each day train, there are quite a few methods to maintain seniors residing life safely. Present the mandatory care by means of a mix of measures. Collectively, they’ll defend seniors with dementia and stop critical hurt or accidents.
Beth Rush
Founder and Managing Editor
Body+Mind Magazine
Beth Rush is the mindfulness editor at Body+Mind. She writes about caring for family members with Alzheimer’s illness. She additionally shares ideas for dealing with c-PTSD, PCOS, and local weather nervousness. Her purpose is to encourage readers to stay their finest lives. Subscribe to the Physique+Thoughts E-newsletter for extra posts by Beth.
