Caregiver Education: The Cornerstone of Fall Prevention

Caregiver & care recipient education is the cornerstone of fall prevention. A nurse can help caregivers and their care recipient focus on their beliefs and misconceptions about falling to prevent future falls.

Older individuals may consider falling to be a normal part of the aging process. For some, it is an expectation of growing old. However, a nurse can provide you with a better understanding about the normal aging process in comparison to a disease process or the adverse side effects of medications.

Falls can be prevented by following some simple interventions - General Fall Prevention Guidelines include:

General Care

• Wear low-heeled shoes with small wedge platforms.
• Wear leather or rubber soled shoes.
• Leave nightlights on at night.
• Keep items within reach to avoid overreaching.
• Check the tips of canes and walkers for evenness.
• Paint the last step a different color, indoors and outdoors.
• Dangle the legs between positioned changes and rise slowly.
• Avoid the use of alcohol.
• Avoid rushing.
• Avoid risky behavior, such as standing on ladders unaided

Steps and Floor Surfaces

• Be careful to avoid slippery floors and frayed carpets.
• Watch for the last step when descending the stairs.
• Count the number of steps as a cue while ascending descending the stairs.
• Install and use sturdy banisters on both sides of the staircases.
• Tack down throw rugs or remove them entirely.
• Remove obstacles in the path of traffic.
• Use carpeting on landing surfaces that has color contrast.

 Bathroom

• Install grab rails in the tub and shower and near the toilet.
• Avoid throw rugs; install carpeting.
• Apply oils to skin after showering or bathing.
• Avoid bar soaps; use liquid soap from a dispenser mounted in the shower.

A nurse can provide you, the caregiver and care recipient, with information and education about the treatable aspects of falling. By increasing your knowledge of falls as well as the normal aging process, you can begin to seek treatment for your loved one.

Ultimately, you will be able to prevent the falls and preserve your loved one's quality of life.

If you would like to learn more about tackling life's challenges and implementing a winning game plan for your loved one's care - There are FREE tools and resources available on our website - ConciergeNursesOfAugusta.com

Lori Greenhill RN BSN - THE Caregiver Coach specializes in HELPING caregivers ( families) find the answers they are searching for to HELP their loved one and to be BE PREPARED for whatever comes next.....  If you are a caregiver - the one making the decisions & coordinating the care for your loved one - just like a concierge, Lori is only a phone call away!

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