It is natural to worry about an elderly relative or friend falling in the home, as it could lead to a minor or serious injury. Also, one or more falls inside or outside could indicate your elderly loved one is living with a health condition, such as heart disease, hypotension, or dementia.

Even if they insist they are fine, there are steps you can take to protect their health and prevent the accident from happening again. Find out what to do if an aging loved one keeps falling over.

Book an appointment with a doctor

After a fall, an older adult should attend an appointment with a doctor for an assessment as soon as possible. In addition to treating any wounds sustained, a doctor may need to assess your loved one’s current medication, balance, and general health. 

They might also recommend booking an appointment with an eye doctor to identify any vision changes, as a friend or relative’s fall might have been caused by an inability to notice tripping hazards, such as a curb or step.

Your loved one’s falls and injuries could be due to one or more health issues. For instance, they might have reduced muscle mass and bone strength, dizziness, or could experience medication side effects, such as low blood pressure and drowsiness. Either way, a doctor can get to the root cause of the problem and provide treatment to prevent falls in the future.

Assess their home for trip and slip hazards

If your loved one has fallen due to a trip hazard in the home, it might be time to assess the property for other dangers. For example, you may need to remove unsecured rugs, improve lighting, or tidy clutter or loose electrical cords. 

Also, you could protect their health and safety by adding non-slip mats in the bathroom and placing everyday items onto lower shelving. Consider introducing fall prevention measures, such as installing a stairlift, grab bars, and emergency alarms.

Discuss moving into a senior living community

If a loved one’s health is deteriorating and you are worried about them falling in the home, it might be time to discuss senior living in San Diego or another location. It will provide you and an elderly loved one with peace of mind that they will have access to a licensed nurse and trained staff 24 hours a day. Plus, they will receive daily assistance to lower the risk of accidents and can enjoy superb amenities, delicious meals, and a stimulating social environment. 

Consider walking aids

Walking aids could provide older adults with confidence when walking from A to B and stop them from falling, slipping, or tripping. Many walking aids are available to support mobility and minimise falls, such as a walking stick, a zimmer frame, or a rollator. Also, your aging relative or friend could benefit from a rise and reclining armchair to make it easier to stand up and sit down, or even raise their legs to help blood flow in their extremities.

Adam Mulligan, a psychology graduate from the University of Hertfordshire, has a keen interest in the fields of mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.