Solutions for behaviors that increase fall risks include:
If the older adult has fallen, contact their health professional right away. This will help identify what caused the fall, address any injuries and make another fall less likely.
It's also important to contact their health professional if the older adult seems depressed.
Depression can last weeks or longer. Symptoms include having trouble sleeping or concentrating, feeling guilty or hopeless, losing or gaining weight, lacking energy and being unable to enjoy things.
Depression isn't a normal part of aging. It's a medical condition that requires treatment.
Ask if the older adult is worried about falling or other safety issues. If you have concerns about their safety, share them.
Fears about falling can lead someone to try to make themselves or their loved one "safe" by moving less and sitting or lying down more. Sadly, that makes the person weaker and less steady, which increases their risk of falling.
If the older adult drinks alcohol, encourage responsible drinking. Ask their health professionals how alcohol might interact with their medications and if it could affect their health conditions.
Having 14 or more alcoholic drinks in a week increases older adults' risk of falling. Older adults process alcohol more slowly, so it affects them for longer.
If the older adult often rushes to get to the bathroom, make sure pathways to the bathroom are clear and well-lit. See the "Are there fall risks in the home?" assessment in this app for more information.
