Elderwerks Senior Resource Directory 2025/2026

FALLING

LEAVE THE FALLING TO THE LEAVES! IDENTIFYING DAILY FALLING RISK FACTORS

Falling is also a potential sign that living at home may not be the safest choice. Evaluate the home for trip hazards and review daily tasks; a professional health assessment should also be performedby a physician. Medications should be reviewed with their primary physician; and a carefully weighed decision made from there. If either of your parents are experiencing difficulty with their health, home maintenance, or have diminished capacity, and you need referrals for local resources, please contact Elderwerks. a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization offering complimentary information, referrals and guidance to older adults, seniors and their families for senior living, care, support and benefits. Visit Elderwerks.org or call (855) 462-0100 for personal assistance. Jennifer Prell is President and Founder of Elderwerks Educational Services,

3. Disease and chronic illness - Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s Disease, ALS, diabetes, or even arthritis are all debilitating conditions. The body quickly weakens and becomes less stable. Neuropathy, nerve damage, numbness and pain make it difficult to feel environmental hazards or navigate the home safely. 4. Impaired vision - even the strongest older adult can become a fall risk due to impaired vision. 5. Medications - Side effects of medications can include dizziness, sleepiness, and high or low blood pressure impacting senses, which can all lead to balance challenges. 6. Physically weak - as we age most people become less physical, exercising less, and “retiring” from team sports we enjoyed in our younger years. As our muscles atrophy our core softens, and falls occur more often. Failing to exercise, stretch and do some sort of physical activity daily will quickly weaken the entire body. “ The most important thing I can tell you about aging is this: If you really feel that you want to have an off-the shoulder blouse and some big beads and thong sandals and a dirndl skirt and a magnolia in your hair, do it. Even if you're wrinkled. ” Maya Angelou Trouble seeing obstacles are almost assuredly a fall waiting to happen.

There are many factors that cause people over the age of 65 to fall. As we age, balance changes, and when you combine that with other health issues, falling becomes a frequent occurrence. The following are some common reasons people fall. 1. Lifestyle and household hazards- fall risk increases when clutter takes over the home. Add in poor lighting or wearing regular socks, it’s a recipe for disaster. People who have laundry on a lower level are exerting themselves by carrying heavy laundry up and down staircases, which could lead to a potential fall. These are some prime home hazard examples and there are many more.

2. Surgery - going straight

home after surgery is appealing, but without assistance from a professional rehabilitation facility, things can go bad quickly. When older patients are weak and experiencing pain, they often become immobile for a long time. After that period of immobility without assistance from a professional rehabilitation facility, this can cause the older patientto be at more risk of falling once they start to move again.

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(855) 462 0100

Elderwerks.org