26 January 2024
Written by Hannah Ownsworth,
Clinically reviewed by Sharon Coyle
If you or someone you care for with dementia is at an increased risk of falling, then it’s important that you do what you can to prevent it. Falls among elderly individuals pose significant health risks which can go on to have severe consequences for their physical, mental and emotional well-being.
In this blog, we’ve put together how to prevent falls in the elderly with dementia, including the cognitive and physical aspects that can cause falling as well as practical strategies you can implement to create a safe environment. We will also include how to use the assistive devices and technology available at Complete Care Shop. Let’s delve right in.
Dementia is a condition marked by progressive cognitive decline and can considerably increase elderly individuals' vulnerability and cause them to fall. Dementia can cause a range of cognitive challenges and difficulties, including memory loss, decreased attention span and impaired judgement. These can also contribute significantly to the risk of losing coordination and balance, resulting in a fall.
It’s important to understand these specific cognitive impairments in order to put in place the right prevention strategies for a safer environment.
There is also a significant connection between dementia and physical decline. These can manifest themselves into muscle weakness, sensory impairments and reduced mobility. As dementia progresses, these symptoms can become more intense and pronounced. This can increase the risk of falls in elderly individuals. But by having these risks in mind, you can find effective ways to address the specific needs of each individual.
If you’re wondering how to prevent falls in elderly people with dementia then you should start by assessing their fall risk. This will make it easier to work out which prevention strategies to put in place. Let’s take a look at some of our top tips for assessing fall risk in dementia patients.
There are a range of healthcare professionals that you can talk to about how to prevent falls in the elderly with dementia. These include doctors, occupational therapists and physical therapists. They can conduct personalised assessments that take into account your (or the person you’re caring for) individual cognitive and physical condition, as well as the person's environment . Regular check ups and assessments of fall prevention for dementia patients are a great way to stay on top of fall prevention and to make sure that the right strategies (and products) are in place even as the condition progresses.
Now let’s take a look at some of the ways that you can create a safe environment, including devices and equipment that can help to prevent falls.
One of the main ways that you can try to prevent falls is by modifying the home environment. Even the simplest of adjustments, such as adding fall prevention aids, can make a significant difference. For example, installing handrails along on both sides of the staircases and in bathrooms can help with an individual's balance and so reduce the risk of falls. Other adaptations include removing trip hazards, such as loose rugs, and improving lighting for better visibility. This is especially important during the evening when going to and from the bathroom.
Using fall prevention aids from reputable providers, such as Complete Care Shop, can enhance safety and provide reliable solutions that meet the specific needs of the individual. Whether you’re looking for bed sensor mats or wearable panic alarms, we have everything you need to get started.
As technology has developed over the years, the devices available to help prevent falls in the elderly with dementia have improved considerably as well. From walking aids such as canes or walkers for increased stability, to GPS fall detectors and voice alarm pagers, having the right aids can not only prevent falls but also puts safety nets in place to protect individuals if they do take a tumble.
Making the most of these state-of-the-art mobility aids for dementia doesn’t only make individuals with dementia feel more safe at home but also leave family and caregivers assured that strategies are in place.
If you’re looking for other ideas on how to prevent falls in the elderly with dementia then you should consider physical exercise and rehabilitation.
Implementing tailored exercise programmes is a proactive approach to preventing falls and helping individuals gain more confidence in their abilities. Generally, these kinds of programmes focus on improving balance, strength, and mobility. This is important for those with dementia as physical decline is a common symptom of the condition. Therefore, taking part in regular and appropriate exercises can enhance the overall well-being of elderly individuals and help to reduce the risk of falls.
Tailored exercise programmes don't have to be complex or exhausting. Simple activities such as gentle stretching, balance training, and chair exercises can be incorporated to help make daily routines easier.
Similarly, rehabilitation strategies can also be an effective way to prevent the risk of falls through the use of physical therapy interventions. This includes targeted exercises to enhance coordination and muscle strength. The specific needs and abilities of the individual will determine what kind of physical therapy is required.
This is a great way to address any existing physical limitations, reduce the risk of falls long-term while also working towards slowing down the progression of these physical challenges. Examples of physical therapy could include swimming, walking and dancing.
There are many different ways that you can try to prevent falls in elderly individuals with dementia. From exercise to physical therapy and a vast range of devices and equipment available from Complete Care Shop, there are many different options to choose from. For more information and product recommendations, get in touch with our expert team on 0330 160 000.
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