Dementia & Falls

When a dementia caregiver admits their loved one to a long term care or assisted living facility, I often hear a familiar phrase: "We couldn't prevent his falls but I know you will be able to."

This is a common misunderstanding about the nature of falls and dementia.

Unfortunately, falls are a frequent risk factor whether a person with dementia is at home or in a health care facility. The risk for falls increases as the dementia progresses and usually causes the most problems in the middle stage of the disease when the person may be active but losing physical functioning.

Preventing falls and preparing for falls (they will happen, despite the best preparation) is a matter of managing the risk - the balance between keeping a person independent and protecting their safety.

There are a few simple things you can do to manage the falls risk at home:

1. Declutter pathways to allow easier movement from one area to the next.
2. Install handrails or grab bars in obvious places
3. Remove throw rugs or other tripping hazards.
4. Consider limiting access to certain areas of the home during specific times.
5. Be careful of entrances, thresholds (the separations between one flooring type and another) & exits.
6. Use nightlights for locating bathrooms at night and increase lighting in general throughout the home

Next time we'll talk about restraints - what they are and why they present more safety hazards than they prevent.