Most Common Causes of Falls in the Elderly

The leading cause of injury, hospital admissions, and death among older adults are falls. Seniors are not only more prone to falling, but they are also more susceptible to fall-related injuries. At Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions, our team provides home-based interventions, education, and encouragement to achieve the highest safety and independence level in their homes and communities. Please continue reading to learn more about common causes of falls in the elderly and how our team can help.

Common Causes of Falls in the Elderly

Knowing and understanding why elderly patients are at an increased risk of falls can help patients stay safely on their feet. Several factors can contribute to falls, including some of the following:

• Poor Vision – Even if an elderly individual is in good physical condition, age-related eye problems can make it challenging to detect fall hazards. Failing to follow recommendations for eye treatments, including wearing glasses or using low vision equipment, can lead to a nasty tumble. 
• A Decline in Fitness – It’s not uncommon to become less active as you age. However, this can worsen the effects of aging. If a senior does not exercise regularly, it can result in decreased bone mass, reduced muscle strength and flexibility, and loss of coordination and balance. All of these factors can contribute to an increased risk of falling. 
• Environmental Factors – Many falls that occur within the elderly population occur in or around the home. Poor lighting, loose carpets, clutter, or slick floors can impact the senior’s safety in their home. 
• Behavioral Factors – Fall risk can be influenced by a patient’s unique behaviors and lifestyle. This can include the activities they regularly engage in, and the physical demand required. Some daily tasks can become more difficult as we age, but failing to modify certain behaviors to account for this is a common contributing factor for falls in seniors. 

Contact Us Today

Falls don’t only occur due to the reasons mentioned above. When these factors combine, they can lead to potentially life-threatening injuries. Our team at Home Advantage Rehabilitation Solutions is here to help keep your loved ones safe and healthy. We provide in-home rehabilitation services to help patients achieve greater levels of safety and independence and educate them on how to modify their homes and lifestyles to prevent injuries. Contact our team today to learn more!