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Battling the Fear of Falling: Empowerment Strategies for Seniors

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An older man who has overcome his fear of falling smiles confidently as he leans on his cane.

Try these tips to help someone you love overcome a fear of falling.

As we grow older, it’s natural to become more apprehensive about the possibility of falling. For many people, however, the fear of falling can be paralyzing, causing a decrease in physical activity, social engagement, and overall quality of life. It is important to address this fear head-on and empower older adults to live confidently and fearlessly. Here are some useful strategies to help those you love overcome anxiety about falling:

  • Gain Education: Understanding the factors that contribute to falls and the steps which can be taken to prevent them is crucial. By educating themselves about balance, strength, and mobility exercises, older adults can feel more equipped to take control of their physical health. Learning about proper nutrition, hydration, and medication management can also play an important role in fall prevention and overall well-being.
  • Establish a Support Network: Social isolation can exacerbate the fear of falling. Encourage older loved ones to remain connected with friends, family, and community groups. Having a strong support network can offer emotional support, encouragement, and assistance when needed. Consider organizing regular activities or social outings to help combat loneliness and foster a sense of belonging.
  • Modify the Home: Making simple modifications to the home environment can significantly decrease the risk of falls. Installing grab bars in the bathroom, securing rugs, improving lighting, and eliminating clutter are just a few examples of changes that can enhance safety and provide peace of mind. Consider conducting a home safety assessment to identify potential hazards and implement appropriate modifications.
  • Stay Active: Regular physical activity improves strength and balance while boosting confidence and decreasing the risk of falling. Encourage older loved ones to take part in activities they enjoy, whether it’s walking, swimming, yoga, or tai chi. It is never too late to begin reaping the advantages of an active lifestyle. Group exercise classes specifically designed for older adults can provide social interaction and motivation to remain active.
  • Use Assistive Devices: For people with mobility issues, assistive devices such as canes, walkers, or stairlifts can offer added stability and confidence. Encourage older adults to use these devices as needed to maintain their independence and safety. Proper training on how to use assistive devices is essential to ensure their effectiveness.
  • Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques which can include deep breathing, meditation, and visualization can help people manage anxiety and fear. By focusing on the present moment and cultivating a sense of calm, older adults can decrease stress and approach life with greater self-assurance. Encourage loved ones to incorporate mindfulness practices into their daily routine for improved emotional well-being.
  • Seek Professional Help: If the fear of falling is significantly impacting a loved one’s day-to-day life, encourage them to seek support from a healthcare professional. A physical therapist, occupational therapist, or psychologist can offer personalized guidance and strategies for overcoming fear and improving confidence. These professionals can also address any underlying physical or mental health issues contributing to the fear of falling.

Responsive Home Care can help too! Contact us at (954) 486-6440 for details on fall prevention and other senior services in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Lighthouse Point, and the surrounding areas. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to promoting the health, safety, and independence of older adults. From tips for home modifications to personalized support, we provide comprehensive solutions to meet the unique needs of each individual. Don’t allow the fear of falling to hold back someone you love—take proactive steps now to help them live life to the fullest.

Medications That Increase Fall Risk for Seniors: Startling New Stats

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woman speaking with a female medical professional via video chat

Medications that increase fall risk for seniors should be closely monitored by a physician in order to keep older adults safe from side effects that put them at risk.

We’ve long known that there are certain medications that increase the fall risk for seniors. Twenty years ago, just a little over half of older adults were impacted by that risk; yet today, that number has risen dramatically – to a full 94% of seniors who are now in danger of falling as a result of medication side effects. Not only that, but deaths from such falls are occurring at more than double the previous rate.

Researchers who discovered this increasing concern also found that between 1999 and 2017, senior prescriptions for medications that increase fall risk were filled over 7.8 billion times. This includes a spike from 12 million antidepressants in 1999 to more than 52 million in 2017.

The study doesn’t specifically pinpoint these medications as the cause for fatality in the falls experienced, but indicates the need for further exploration into the dosages being prescribed. Joshua Niznik of the division of geriatric medicine at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine notes, “We’re starting to understand now that the dose of the medication that someone is on is really what we should be looking at probably with the greatest level of scrutiny, and that really has a strong correlation with falls.”

It’s crucial for seniors and their doctors to work together to strike the ideal balance between managing the conditions that require these medications and preventing further complications from a fall.

Amy Shaver, postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Buffalo School of Public Health and Health Professions, and lead author of the study, explains, “These drugs are all necessary medications, but there needs to be a conversation about risks and advantages, that pro-con conversation about: For this particular patient at this particular point in time, what can we do?”

Prescriptions that are specifically linked to fall risk include those for depression, blood pressure management, seizures, pain, and psychosis, among others. Women are most often prescribed these types of medications, and those 85 and older are experiencing the highest spike in fall-related deaths.

One step that seniors can take is to have the home assessed for fall risk and to implement any recommended safety measures. Responsive Home Care is pleased to offer an assessment, scheduled at your convenience. We can also help reduce fall risk through:

  • Ensuring medications are taken exactly as prescribed
  • Assisting with safe walking and transfers
  • Encouraging seniors to engage in doctor-approved exercise programs to strengthen balance, flexibility, and strength
  • And more

Email or give our trusted care team a call at (954) 486-6440 to learn more about our senior care in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and the surrounding communities, and to schedule your assessment today!