You noticed a bruise on your mom’s leg. “It was just a little fall,” she says. Maybe she is right; it was a minor incident. But what about the next time?

Each year, one in four adults fall, and older adults who fall once, are two to three times more likely to fall again.

The result of a fall can be both physical, such as a hip fracture, or emotional, such as a fear of falling again, both of which can reduce quality of life. And in some instances the consequences of a fall can be fatal.

Changes to eyesight and reflexes, muscle weakness, improper footwear, reactions to certain medications can all contribute to factors that increase the risk of falling as someone ages.

Risk factors that lead to falls should be screened regularly. Some of these factors that should be reviewed include:

• How many medications are currently being taken daily? The CDC indicates that if an older adult is taking eight or more, they're twice as likely to fall than those on seven or fewer.
• Are there distractions in the home that could be removed that could avoid a trip hazard?
• Is the older adult participating in activity daily? Even if it is just walking?
• Are there new reported feelings such as 'woozy-ness' or being dizzy?

Many falls can also be prevented by doing an in-home fall safety evaluation for a loved one. Important things to look at in the home include:

• Are rugs and runners slip resistant?
• Is there torn or loose carpeting?
• Is there adequate lighting?
• Is a person’s bed too high?
• Are the railways inside and outside sturdy?
• Does the driveway, pathway or stairs leading inside have large cracks or clutter?

Also, consider consulting a physical/occupational therapist for appropriate exercises to strengthen a loved one’s muscles; talk with their primary care physician about medication side effects and health management; schedule routine eye exams; or contact a medical equipment supplier for a walker, cane or another assistive device.

On May 26 from 4:00–4:30 pm EST ComForCare and At Your Side Home Care are hosting a webinar for older adults and their caregivers to provide practical techniques for fall risk management.

This program will review up-to-date fall risk strategies for caregivers to utilize on a daily basis and help their loved ones manage their risk and stay on their feet.

The session will review:

• Indicators that someone might fall 
• How to observe, record and report a fall risk
• Different strategies to manage fall risk in older adults with cognitive impairment (dementia)

To register, visit: https://bit.ly/caregiverfirst