From the Guidelines
To prevent falls in elderly individuals at home, implement a multifactorial approach that includes removing tripping hazards, installing grab bars and non-slip mats, ensuring adequate lighting, and promoting physical activity programs focusing on balance and strength training, as recommended by the most recent study 1.
Key Safety Measures
- Remove tripping hazards like loose rugs, cords, and clutter from walkways
- Install grab bars in bathrooms near toilets and showers, and use non-slip mats in bathtubs and shower floors
- Ensure adequate lighting throughout the home, particularly in hallways, stairways, and bathrooms, using night lights for evening navigation
- Keep frequently used items within easy reach to avoid stretching or climbing
- Consider installing handrails on both sides of stairs and using a raised toilet seat and shower chair in the bathroom
Lifestyle Adjustments
- Encourage the use of appropriate footwear with non-slip soles rather than slippers or socks on hard surfaces
- Regular vision and medication reviews are important, as some medications like sedatives, antidepressants, and certain blood pressure medications can increase fall risk
- Physical activity programs focusing on balance and strength training can significantly reduce fall risk by improving muscle strength and coordination, as supported by a systematic review 1
- Simple exercises like tai chi, gentle yoga, or supervised walking can be effective in preventing falls, with a Cochrane review showing a 23% reduction in fall rate compared to usual care or attention control 1
Importance of Prevention
Falls are a major cause of injury in older adults, with one in four seniors experiencing a fall each year, but most falls are preventable with these practical home modifications and lifestyle adjustments, highlighting the need for a proactive approach to fall prevention, as emphasized by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement 1.
From the Research
Measures to Prevent Falls in the Elderly at Home
- Physical exercise, including balance and strength training, can reduce the number of fallers and falls in community-dwelling elderly 2
- Home hazards modification, led by occupational therapists, can reduce the fall risk in community-living elderly, especially in high-risk groups 2
- Vitamin D supplement, adjustment of psychotropic medication, and modification of multi-pharmacy are drug-related programs that can reduce the fall risk 2
- Anti-slip shoe devices and multifaceted podiatry can reduce the fall risk in elderly who walk outdoors during icy conditions or have specific foot disabilities 2
- First eye cataract surgery and pacemakers in patients with cardio-inhibitory carotid sinus hypersensitivity are surgical procedures with a fall-reducing effect 2
Multifactorial Interventions
- Multifactorial interventions, including exercise, environment or assistive technologies, medication review, and psychological interventions, can reduce the rate of falls compared to usual care or attention control 3, 4
- Multiple component interventions, usually including exercise, may reduce the rate of falls and risk of falling compared to usual care or attention control 4
- A multicomponent primary-care intervention, including medical and behavioral counseling, home risk-factor assessment, physical-activity program, and nutritional counseling, can reduce the rate of falls at home 5
Effective Components of Interventions
- Exercise, particularly balance, strength, and gait training, is an effective component of multifactorial interventions 3, 6
- Environmental modification, including home hazard assessment and modification, can reduce the fall risk 3, 6
- Medication review and management, especially of psychoactive medications, can reduce the fall risk 3
- Vitamin D supplementation, with or without calcium, can reduce the fall risk 3