Falls Are the Leading Cause of Injury in Adults 65 and Older
According to Managed Healthcare Connect, each year between 50 - 75% of nursing home residents will suffer a fall.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has identified many conditions that contribute to falling. Many of these risk factors can be changed or modified to prevent falls. They include:
- Lower body weakness
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Walking and balancing difficulties
- Certain medicines (tranquilizers, sedatives, antidepressants, and OTC medications)
- Visual problems
- Foot pain or poor footwear
- Uneven steps/rugs or other hazards
Ways to Prevent Bathroom Falls:
- Ensure restrooms are clutter-free
- Have slip-resistant flooring
- Install safety bars
- Install elevated toilet seats
- Add night-lights for nighttime bathroom trips
- Improve accessibility to common bathroom items
Sources:
1) (January 2014). "Strategies for Reducing Falls in Long-Term Care". Retrieved from https://www.managedhealthcareconnect.com/article/strategies-for-reducing-falls-long-term-care
2) (February, 2017). "Important Facts about Falls". Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/adultfalls.html
