Accidents happen, but a fall can be a life-changing event, especially for older adults. Every year, about one out of four people over 65 experience a fall. While falls can lead to serious injuries, understanding the common causes of falls in the elderly and exploring prevention technology can make a big difference. Taking a few proactive steps can help you stay safe, steady, and confident on your feet.
4 Most Common Causes of Falls in the Elderly
Anyone can take a spill, but as people age, physical changes and environmental factors can put them at a greater risk. Let’s examine some of the most common causes of falls in elderly adults.
1. Lack of Mobility
As we age, our bodies experience less flexibility and more joint stiffness, making everyday activities like walking and standing up more difficult. When reflexes slow and mobility becomes more challenging, we tend to be at a higher risk of falling. Fortunately, there is a growing supply of prevention technology available, which we will address below.
2. Diminished Strength & Balance
The harder it is for a person to get around, the less likely they will want to move. But staying put can make matters worse. Decreased activity levels actually contribute to a loss of balance and muscle strength, which are major risk factors that lead to falls in any population — but especially seniors. When combined, the simple act of maneuvering stairs can lead to injury or even hospitalization.
3. Impaired Vision
Vision is one of the senses most commonly affected by aging, and changes in eyesight can significantly increase the risk of falls. If you can’t see where you’re going, you may not only struggle with unseen obstacles but also miss the edges of steps or stumble over uneven ground.
4. Home Hazards
Our home should be a safe place, but even seemingly benign things can become a real problem as we age. Without the flexibility, balance, and vision we had in our youth, things like steps, poor lighting, slippery shower floors, and clutter can all be potential pitfalls for our safety. To help avoid tripping, slipping, and injuries, it’s best to keep your pathways clear and invest in home improvements that make navigation easier.
3 Safe Options to Increase Mobility
Falls can be serious for anyone, especially older adults, but prevention is within reach. Don’t hesitate to lean on support from family, doctors, and neighbors. Combine this support with the right prevention technology, and you’re on the path to a safer, more confident life at home.
An accessibility lift can be a game-changer for overcoming mobility challenges and regaining safe and easy access around your home. With various options available, Arrow Lift can help you find the right fit for your needs.
1. Stair Lift
A stair lift is a safe and easy way to access all the floors in your home. A stair lift allows elderly individuals to securely access all the floors of their homes with a decreased risk of falling. An Arrow Lift Expert can provide a free, in-home consultation to walk you through customizable stair lift options. Choose from straight, curved, and outdoor stair lifts with safety features like obstruction sensors and swivel position safeties to prevent accidents.
2. Home Elevator
Home elevators are a reliable and accessible option for elderly individuals, especially those who may be building or remodeling their homes. If you’re looking to enhance mobility at home, home elevators come in various options to suit different needs and spaces. A shaftless home elevator or pitless home elevator is often the ideal choice if you’re considering aging in place. These elevators require less construction than traditional home elevators and can typically be installed more quickly. No matter which model you choose, Arrow Lift’s experts can help you find the best fit.
Your home elevator can be customized specifically for your home’s unique layout, style, and future wheelchair accessibility, should it become a requirement. The home elevators offered at Arrow Lift provide a secure experience with customizable options to fit your needs.
Vertical Platform Lift
For individuals using a walker or wheelchair, a vertical platform lift (VPL) may be a valuable investment. VPLs, which are also called porch lifts or garage wheelchair lifts, aid elderly or disabled individuals in moving between two levels in situations where a ramp is impractical or undesirable. VPLs can be used both indoors and outdoors. They’re most often used in garage entrances or to access elevated porches or decks.
Prevent Future Falls with Arrow Lift
Although there are multiple causes of falls in the elderly, our trained experts at Arrow Lift know that mobility challenges can be helped with the right prevention technology. Our lift equipment is thoughtfully designed with advanced safety features to minimize the risk of falling for you or your loved one.
Contact Arrow Lift today to schedule a free consultation with our Team!
