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Fall Safety

By Gail Glockhoff-Long
GolderCare Solutions
Benefits Advocate

Fall is here—and with it come two important safety reminders: Fire Safety and Falling Safety.

Fire Safety at Home

Back in my school days, October was Fire Protection Month. Every school practiced timed fire drills to ensure we could evacuate quickly. Later, in one of my jobs, each floor had designated “fire marshals.” They were trained to use fire extinguishers, check that everyone had evacuated, and help those who needed assistance. Because of repeated drills, everyone knew what to do and where to go.

But what about our homes? At GolderCare, one of our big concerns for people who want to remain at home is whether they could exit safely in the event of a fire. This can be a line in the sand for independence. If someone cannot get down the stairs and outside safely and quickly on their own, they should not be left alone. For example, Indiana requires assisted living residents to be able to exit within 10 minutes.

Fire safety also changes as we age:

• Diminished senses. We often smell smoke before alarms sound, but the sense of smell decreases with age.
• Reliance on alarms. Are there enough alarms in the house? Are they loud enough, even without hearing aids?
• Cognitive changes. For someone with Alzheimer’s, the automatic response to exit when the alarm sounds is no longer reliable.

Finally, what happens after you get outside? At one of my jobs, every department had a designated meeting spot for headcounts. Families at home should do the same:

• Does everyone know where to meet?
• Will Dad take his cell phone and call when he gets out?
• Will Mom with Alzheimer’s go to the neighbor’s house to call 911—and does the neighbor know they’re part of the plan?

This October, take time to plan and practice a home fire drill.

Falling Safety

The other kind of fall we worry about is falling down.

Falls can happen at any age, and the causes are many: medications, heart or neuropathy issues, poor vision, uneven surfaces, clutter, throw rugs, slippery floors, or overcrowded furniture. The statistics are sobering:

• Every 13 seconds, an older adult is seen in the ER for a fall-related injury.
• One in four adults 65+ experiences a fall each year, leading to about 3 million ER visits.
• 88% of hip fractures among older adults are caused by falls (2019 data).
• Falls are a leading cause of head injuries, which can be even more dangerous than broken bones.
• Frequent falls may disqualify someone from Independent or Assisted Living—making nursing care the only safe option.

Reducing the Risk

You can lower your fall risk with some proactive steps:

• Health & balance: Review medications and medical issues with your providers. Keep your vision prescriptions updated. Consider an exercise class to improve balance and strength. Even regular walking helps. Have your therapist properly fit your walker or cane—and use it.
• Home safety: Take an objective walk through your home. Are there secure railings and grab bars? Any tripping hazards like frayed carpet, clutter, or loose rugs? Outside, are walkways well lit and free of hoses or obstacles? In the bathroom, is there a nonslip mat?
• Know your limits: One of my elderly neighbors never carried items on the stairs. She left things at the top or bottom for her yard worker to move. She knew her limits—and made a safer plan.

The Bigger Picture

At GolderCare, when we help with placement and payment, our goal is always the least restrictive environment. But falls can quickly move someone into a higher, more restrictive level of care.

This fall, take steps to reduce your risks—so you can stay safe and independent as long as possible.

GolderCare Solutions Unlimited, LLC is an independent care advocacy group for seniors, the disabled, and their families.

      📞 (309) 764-2273         🌐 www.goldercare.com

GolderCare provides individualized care and benefits advocacy and coaching to assist seniors and their families as they navigate the aging process. Gail is a Benefits and Insurance Specialist with GolderCare Solutions, helping families navigate the complexities of aging, care, insurance, placement, and public benefits.