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As we age, the risk of falling increases, and the mere thought of falling can be frightening. Knowledge and prevention are key to reducing the chances of a dangerous fall within your home. We’re here to help you understand the major causes of falls, why they occur, and how to prevent them. We’ll also cover the essentials of how to safely get up if you fall. Maximize your mobility by following these important guidelines.
Falling affects thousands of American seniors every year. The chances of experiencing a serious fall only increase with age, so it’s best to take preventative measures before something actually happens. One of the best ways to give yourself better peace of mind is a quality medical alert system. With a medical alert system, you get the security of a 24/7 monitoring center at your fingertips. If you want to learn more about how medical alert systems can assist with fall prevention, check out these top-rated providers.
Proactively preparing for falls should be a vital part of your life, as the data on falls for older adults shows just how common these incidents are. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC), millions of people aged 65 and older fall each year. In fact, more than one out of four older people fall annually. This endangers both the health and independence of older adults.
A life-threatening fall can also result in major financial strain. The CDC reports that one-in-five falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones or a head injury. Each year about $50 billion is spent on medical costs related to non-fatal fall injuries, and $754 million is spent related to fatal falls.1
Falls can be brought on by many factors. The leading causes of falls for older adults include:
While the idea of a fall might be downright scary, it’s not all doom and gloom! There are plenty of proactive ways you can prepare to reduce your risk of a slip or trip. We’ll run you through our top fall safety tips below.
Your body’s health plays a significant role in fall prevention. Take control of your wellbeing by protecting yourself in the following ways:
It’s important to address hearing loss and get hearing aids as early as possible to help prevent falls and other related health risks. Not sure if you’re experiencing hearing loss? In the video below, Brad Ingrao, audiologist and hearing expert, will walk you through the early signs of hearing loss to look out for.
Are you able to move about your residence safely? Take a moment to examine your home and follow these essential ways to safeguard you and your surroundings:
Did You Know? Walkers, commode chairs, bath chairs, or lift chairs may be considered Durable Medical Equipment (DME) under Medicare and Medicaid, Veteran’s Benefits, or private insurance. Check with your physician to see if you qualify for free or reduced-cost DME.
The bathroom can be a hazardous place for older adults. The combination of wet, slippery floors and hard surfaces can result in painful falls. Safeguard yourself with these bathroom improvements:
Kohler's walk-in tub
Did You Know? If you’re interested in installing a walk-in tub, take a look at our picks for the best walk-in tubs for seniors in 2023.
Help is just one call away at all times when wearing a medical alert system. A medical alert system can provide a much-needed level of confidence and peace of mind for you and your loved ones. If you fall, all you need to do is press a button on your wearable pendant, and first responders will be sent straight away. Systems with automatic fall detection can even sense a fall and call for help when you can’t press your button.
Our editor's grandma wearing her Bay Alarm Medical alert system at home
There is a multitude of medical alert systems on the market. From our Bay Alarm Medical review to our experience testing out Medical Guardian, we’ve found it’s easy to choose a system that’s customized to your personal needs. There are options for both active seniors who spend time on the go and homebodies. Thanks to developments in technology and design, there are even discreet, high-tech options for those who want something a bit easier on the eyes.
FYI: Take a look at our top picks for the best fall detection for seniors to find a system for your home!
If you’d like to learn more about the different types of medical alert systems, how they work, and how they can help prevent falls, watch the video below. Jeff Hoyt, our Editor in Chief, walks you through everything you need to know.
Despite having all of the safety measures in place, a fall may still occur. This can certainly be an upsetting experience, so it’s crucial to know how to get back up safely. Use the steps below as a guide:
If you fall and someone else finds you before you’ve gotten up, it’s essential that they know how to handle the situation and help you up safely. Pass along the tips below to your caregivers, friends, or family members:
Watch the video below to learn more about senior falls and how to prevent them.
CDC. (2021). Cost of Older Adult Falls.
CDC. (2021). Medications Linked to Falls.
National Council on Aging. (2021). 6 Steps for Preventing Falls Among Your Older Loved Ones.
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2019). Hearing Loss and the Increased Risk of Falls.
Mayo Clinic. (2021). Fall prevention: Simple tips to prevent falls.