Rite Aid is dedicated to helping caregivers take care of their loved ones - and that often means providing answers to difficult questions. Many commonly asked questions may have already been answered by our pharmacists and other experts. You can search here to learn more about elders and falling.
A. An ounce of prevention can cure a lot of the pain associated with a fall. Here are some ideas:
Wear sensible shoes. Discourage wearing of high heels or floppy slippers and offer a pair of lace-ups with non-skid soles.
Establish safe pathways throughout the house by clearing away clutter and removing throw rugs and obstacles such as footstools.
Use nightlights, and highlight stairs and surface transitions like thresholds.
Install grab bars in the bathroom near the toilet and shower/bath area.
Offer reassurance. Increased anxiety about falling can lead to a decrease in activity, which increases the chances of a fall.
Schedule an eye exam. It could be that glaucoma, cataracts or an inadequate lens prescription may be contributing to poor balance.
Be prudent. Think twice before taking your loved one out on an icy, rainy or windy day.
Never rush your loved one. “Take it slow, before you go”—anywhere!
Article provided by Caring Today magazine and www.caringtoday.com
A: Improving strength, balance and movement are important to helping older adults stay on their feet. Consider which activities might match the abilities of your loved one—and be sure to discuss these activities with a doctor first. Here are some ideas:
- Dancing: The two-step is one step to take to improve balance and flexibility; any rhythmic movement helps.
- Gardening: Pulling weeds or planting seeds boosts endurance and strength.
- Walking: Not only does it improve stamina and circulation, but a nice stroll can decrease anxiety.
- Swimming: A dip in the pool increases strength, endurance, flexibility and posture—plus, buoyancy decreases the risk of injury.
- Using a stationary bike: Pedaling in place offers all the strength and endurance benefits of bicycling, but without the fear of traffic hazards.
- Tai Chi: The slow, graceful movements of this ancient exercise are ideal for improved balance.
Again, discuss all exercise plans with a doctor first!
A. Side effects of certain prescriptions or a combination of medications can cause balance problems. Show a doctor or pharmacist a list of all medications. They may be able to recommend a different medication. Also, some drugs—especially those for hypertension and cardiovascular issues—can cause dehydration, which leads to wooziness. Slowly drinking two glasses of water before rising to a standing position can eliminate a drop in blood pressure—and a possible drop to the floor.
A: Healthy prudence—like thinking twice before going out on an icy, rainy or windy day—is one thing. But, in extreme cases, the fear of falling might actually trigger a fall. "Increased anxiety leads to decreased activity and then physical de-conditioning," says Debra Rose, PhD, professor in the division of kinesiology and health promotion and co-director of the Center for Successful Aging at California State University, Fullerton. "So when the person has to walk someplace or go down a flight of stairs, he or she may actually be more prone to a fall."
"Give reassurance that having this fear is perfectly normal, and doesn't automatically mean a fall [is imminent] or loss of independence," says Roberta Newton, PhD, PT, professor of physical therapy and professor of medicine at Temple University in Philadelphia and associate director of the Institute on Aging. Dr. Newton also suggests:
- Be direct but non-confrontational. "Gee, Dad, I was wondering if wearing an emergency alert device on your wrist would make you feel more secure."
- Treat your parent as an equal. Avoid scolding your parent as if she were a child. This is a lesson Dr. Newton learned for herself when her 89-year old mother fell time and again.
- Speak for yourself. "Mom, I'm worried that you don't use your walker when you go to the bathroom. I'm afraid you might fall."
Once the subject is out in the open, you can help your loved one feel less afraid by taking steps to reduce the risk for falls through assessing both physical and environmental risks and encouraging activity.
A: Pets underfoot can trip up anyone, but especially a person whose balance is slightly off or whose vision is impaired. Consider "belling the cat"—or dog—by attaching a small bell to its collar. Awareness of an animal's whereabouts can reduce the risk of a fall. Do, however, make sure that the pet is not overly bothered by the bell. It could take a little while for her four-legged friend to get used to it.
A: There are two main types of walkers: standard, which has no wheels; and rolling, which has wheels. “In general,” says Kristin Schweizer, MPT, “the standard walker provides more stability but tends to require more energy. Rolling walkers are more energy efficient and allow for a more normal walking pattern. A physical therapist can advise on the type of walker best suited to the person.”
A: Tai chi may be the perfect exercise for the elderly—and an effective way to prevent bone-breaking falls. Dubbed the "granny martial art," because it calls for movements that are slow and graceful rather than kung fu-type kicks, this ancient Chinese discipline is ideal for those with creaky joints and may even improve balance and coordination in seniors.
- According to Emory University research funded by the National Institute on Aging, healthy seniors were 47.5 percent less likely to fall after practicing tai chi for three months than relatively robust older adults taking a wellness class covering fall prevention and other topics.
- In a subsequent 48-week study of frail folks between the ages of 70 and 97, who took twice-weekly tai chi classes, "We saw a 40 percent decline in falls from the fourth month on, and participants became less dependent on walkers and wheelchairs," says lead researcher Steven L. Wolf, PhD, co-director of Emory's Center for Research on Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Neurodegenerative Diseases.
- Tai chi may improve balance because the movements emphasize trunk rotation, shifting weight from one foot to two, and coordination of lower- and upper-body movements," notes Dr. Wolf.
- Looking like a cross between shadow boxing and slow-motion ballet, tai chi consists of a series of movements, with evocative names like "parting the wild horse's mane" and "a wind blowing lotus leaves," that flow rhythmically together. Because it also involves deep breathing and intense mental focus, tai chi has been called "meditating in motion" and found to lower blood pressure. You can find classes at your local Y, health club or senior center.