Recognising the risk of falling

As a family caregiver, it is important to be aware of the potential fall hazards our loved ones may face. Falls can lead to serious injury and further loss of independence. Therefore, it is crucial to recognise the risk of falls in time and to take appropriate measures to prevent falls. In this article, we will look at the most common sources of fall hazards and simple ways to minimise the risk of falls.

Adequate fall prevention plays a central role in the safety of the person in need of care. But also as a caring relative, it is a reassuring feeling to know that appropriate measures have been taken. By implementing appropriate measures, we can on the one hand reduce the risk of falls and on the other hand reduce the consequences of falls.

About 1/3 of all people over 65 years of age fall once a year. About half of them even fall several times and about one third suffer the consequences of injuries. Some injuries then lead to a permanent or increased need for care.

Fall prevention helps to maintain the independence of our relatives and to enable them to live a safe and self-determined life. This is because a fall event is often accompanied by an increase in the need for care. In the following section, we will take a closer look at the sources of danger for falls.

Common sources of danger for falls

A. Unfavourable living conditions and trip hazards

A common cause of falls is unfavourable living conditions and trip hazards. Inadequate lighting, uneven floors, loose carpets, unsecured stairs and blocked paths can lead to dangerous situations. Cables lying around are also a frequently encountered tripping hazard.

B. Lack of physical fitness and muscle strength

Another source of danger is lack of physical fitness and muscle strength. Weak muscles and unstable balance increase the risk of falls. With advancing age and an increased need for care, muscle deterioration often accompanies falls and should be counteracted.

C. Medication and side effects

Taking certain medications can increase the risk of falling. Some medications can cause dizziness, lightheadedness or balance problems. If the person in need of care complains of such an effect, or you suspect such a negative effect, then you should definitely take this seriously and consult with the doctor. It is important to talk to the doctor or pharmacist about possible side effects and interactions. It may be possible to consider alternative treatments.

D. Visual and hearing impairments

Impaired vision and hearing can also lead to falls. Limited vision or hearing loss makes it difficult to see obstacles in time or to respond to audible warnings.

By identifying and managing these hazards, we can significantly reduce the risk of falls. In the next section we will focus on how we can prevent falls and reduce the consequences of falls.

Minimise fall risk

A. Creating a safe living environment

A safe living environment is crucial to prevent falls. Make sure the home is well lit, especially in hallways, stairways and bathrooms. Remove tripping hazards such as loose rugs and provide non-slip floors in wet areas. Install handrails on unsecured stairs and make sure furniture is stable (seating with castors should always be braked). Reduce clutter and keep pathways clear.

B. Regular physical activity and balance training

Regular physical activity is an essential part of fall prevention. Specific training can improve muscle strength, balance and coordination. A physiotherapist can teach you effective exercises for this. But a varied and active daily routine also helps to prevent muscle loss. Regular mobilisation, or even walks in the fresh air, can train both muscles and balance. Spending time outdoors in the sunlight also ensures a sufficient vitamin D level, which in turn has a strengthening effect on the bones.

C. Nutrition and hydration for strong bones and muscles

A balanced diet rich in calcium, vitamin D and other important nutrients supports bone and muscle health. Strong bones and muscles help reduce the risk of falls and injuries. Make sure you drink enough to avoid dehydration, which can lead to dizziness and weakness.

D. Vision and hearing tests

Regular vision and hearing tests are important to detect any impairments early. Good vision and hearing enable you to notice obstacles and warning signals in good time. If necessary, use suitable aids such as glasses, contact lenses or hearing aids to improve sensory perception and thus avoid falls. Even if glasses or hearing aids are already in use, they must be checked regularly and adjusted if necessary.

E. Use of assistive devices

The use of appropriate mobility aids, such as walking sticks, rollators and grab bars, can also prevent falls. Make sure that these aids are placed within easy reach of the patient. But safe and sturdy footwear is also an important element of fall prevention.

A commode chair next to the bed makes it easier to go to the toilet at night in dim lighting conditions. In addition, this makes it easier to reach the toilet and reduces the risk of falls due to haste and hurry.

F. Promote understanding and understanding of the measures taken

It is crucial that persons in need of care themselves recognise the importance and necessity of fall prevention measures and thereby actively participate in them. This can be achieved through open and empathetic communication. Take time to talk to the person concerned about their concerns, fears and experiences related to falls. Explain to them the potential risks and the positive effects of fall prevention. Demonstrate the different measures and encourage them to actively participate, whether through regular physical exercise, wearing non-slip shoes or using assistive devices. Shared decision-making and involving the person concerned in the process will promote understanding and increase motivation to prevent falls.

By implementing these measures, you can actively contribute to preventing falls. In the next section we will focus on how to reduce and mitigate the consequences of falls.

Reducing the consequences of falls

Even if you have chosen all fall prevention measures wisely and implemented them reliably, it is still not possible to avoid every fall. Life always involves a certain degree of risk and so accidents can always happen despite the greatest effort.

But not every fall necessarily leads to a bone fracture with subsequent hospitalisation and an increased need for care. The consequences of a fall can be very different. Measures can also be taken to mitigate the consequences of a fall.

A. Protectors and low-care beds

Low-care beds (low-floor beds) reduce the height of falls from the bed and can thus have an influence on the consequences of falls. With some models, the lying surface can be lowered to up to 20 cm above the floor.

Hip protector trousers, which are padded in the area of the femoral neck, are intended to prevent a femoral neck fracture. However, the studies on this are inconclusive. Therefore, and because the use of these protectors is often not accepted for various reasons, their use should be well considered.

Nevertheless, I would like to say that in my work in geriatric care I have often used such protector trousers. In many cases their use was accepted. Even though I cannot make any statement about the effectiveness, it was reassuring for me as a carer to know that I did the best I could to reduce the consequences of falls.

B. Emergency call systems and emergency accessibility tools

The availability of a reliable emergency call system (e.g. home emergency call) or a portable emergency alert bracelet is of great importance in order to be able to summon help quickly in case of a fall. Make sure that such aids are easily accessible or worn on the body. In the case of in-house emergency call buttons, it is also important to ensure that the caregiver also always has the emergency call receiver within earshot.

C. Immediate measures after a fall: correct behaviour and getting help

In the event of a fall, it is important to remain calm and take appropriate immediate action. This includes checking for injuries and getting medical help if necessary. If no injuries are apparent and there is no pain, provide assistance in getting up at a controlled pace. Organise assistance from other people if necessary. Clarify the cause of the fall with the person concerned and keep the person under observation for some time, as some symptoms can also occur with a time delay. If in doubt, always contact a doctor!

By implementing these measures, the consequences of a fall can be reduced. The combination of fall prevention and reduction of the consequences of falls contributes to increasing the safety and well-being of the person in need of care and the family caregivers. Fall prevention should therefore be considered an important aspect of home care.

As a family member, you can contribute to fall prevention by taking simple measures. These include creating a safe living environment, regular physical activity, a balanced diet, regular vision and hearing tests and the use of appropriate aids. Involving the person in need of care in the measures is crucial here.

Also make use of the support and counselling services offered by care services, doctors or other professionals such as physiotherapists.

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