5 Ways to Prevent Falls in Seniors with Dementia

Elderly that have dementia are highly vulnerable and susceptible to falling, which is potentially dangerous for their health. Falling could cause major injuries to victims, and it would take a while to recover from the injuries sustained. There are effective ideas that could be used to help prevent falling incidents that are common with elders with dementia. 

The project coordinator of a nursing home in Dublin, Jane Byrne, points out that dementia tends to affect the coordination and balancing skills which lead to instability and high probabilities of falling. Moderate levels of cognitive impairment also lead to dementia that could be life-threatening.

Below are some of the cautionary and preventative practices that would help reduce falling incidences for the elderly with dementia.

1. Get rid of tripping hazards

Individuals with dementia are slow to react and noticing items lying lazily around the home that could cause a slip and fall incident. Items that lay aimlessly in a home with elderly suffering from dementia such as rugs, electrical cords, clutter, footstool, among many others, could pose a huge risk. To eliminate slip and fall incidences ensure that the floor is clean and devoid of clutter. Create enough spaces for the elderly to manoeuvre by moving furniture to create wide pathways ideal for easy passage. You could also use non-slip mats and rugs that have traction to the floor and would minimize the chances of a slip and fall incident.

2. Lower the noise levels

Seniors with dementia are sensitive to loud noise which causes panic, anxiety and nervousness that could contribute to a fall due to unsteady feet. It would be considerate to try to eliminate any noise source that could be from booming speakers or sound outputs. A tranquil and calm environment is essential for their recovery and issues with sensitivity are greatly reduced.

3. Install sufficient lighting

Elders who have dementia are mostly affected by visual impairment which gives them a hard time to differentiate objects and shades. It would be a good idea to include motion sensors that would light up a particular living space whenever they approach an unfamiliar territory. Try and eliminate dark and shadowed areas to provide an ideal condition for them to manoeuvre around without the fear of falling. Impaired vision could lead to misinterpretation of what is on sight. Use bright colours that illuminate light to a significant living space to reduce these falling incidences.

4. Minimize their need to wander around

Depriving a senior individual of any needs or objects may cause the need to move from one place to another in search of them. It would increase the chances of falling wandering in unfamiliar spaces. Give them an easy time and help them by availing essential items close to their reach and sight. Having a common and familiar storage space will drastically reduce their urge to loiter to unfamiliar spaces. The items in question include souvenirs, spectacles, jewellery, drinks, and food. In case you have an elderly relative with wandering habits, it would be wise to employ a home care agency to keep a close eye and assist where possible.

5. Pay attention to their medication side effects

Dementia needs some medical attention and treatment to alleviate the condition. Some of the side effects could be responsible for the falling incidences. Dizziness could cause a senior to lose ground and stability, which is potentially dangerous. Aging has its ugly side and individuals affected by the medication are advised to seek alternatives to reduce the chances of falling. In case there is no alternative to encourage them to take the medication while sitting or lying down to reduce the chances of falling.

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