Falls in older adults are a major problem that can lead to physical and psychological impacts on patients and their families. Older adults often have osteoporosis and poor balance, increasing the likelihood of fractures or vertebral compression when a fall occurs. Therefore, preventing falls and accidents in older adults is extremely important in caring for their health.

How to reduce risk factors for falls and accidents in older adults

• Exercise to practice balance by standing on one leg and marching in place; you may hold onto something to prevent falling.
• Cross your arms and stand up from a chair without using your hands. Repeating this regularly will help increase joint strength and strengthen the thigh and back muscles, improving balance.
• Do strength-building exercises and improve movement skills, such as tai chi, ballroom dancing, and yoga for older adults.
• Move carefully and change positions slowly to prevent lightheadedness or dizziness.
• Install lights along walkways to provide sufficient lighting, helping older adults see clearly.
• Arrange the bedroom and bed height to suit older adults; for example, in a two-story house, older adults should stay on the ground floor, and the bed should be about knee height for the older adult.
• Install grab bars in the bathroom next to the toilet, sink, and shower area. You may provide a chair for older adults to sit while showering, and the bathroom floor should be changed to non-slip rubber flooring.
• Install non-slip flooring in the bathroom or in areas where the floor is slippery and there is a risk of falling. Avoid placing rugs that can easily slip when an older adult steps on them.
• Keep walkways inside the home free of clutter.
• Shoes for older adults should have non-slip soles, and regularly check whether the shoes are too tight or press on the feet, causing corns or wounds.
• Clothing—pants, skirts, or sarongs—for older adults must not be long enough to drag on the floor.
• Do not allow older adults with vision problems or poor memory and judgment to drive a car alone, and they should avoid riding bicycles or motorcycles because serious accidents can occur easily.

Additional Information Center

Samitivej Sriracha Hospital

For more information
Tel. 038-320-300