Q. As much as I hate to admit it, my parents are growing older. We live just a short drive apart, yet they still spend a lot of time by themselves. I worry about their safety at home. My mom enjoys gardening, and my dad likes to putz around in the garage, sorting through memorabilia he’s collected over the years. I work full-time, and although I work from home, I can’t just hop over to check in on them during the day. I’ve tried to encourage my mom to scale back her garden, but she won’t. I’ve asked my dad to have my husband help him get boxes down in his garage, but he insists he’s fine. I recognize that they want to remain independent, but I also recognize that they are slowing down. I’m worried that they are going to fall at home and have no way of calling for help. What can I do to help them prevent a fall?
A. Our sense of balance begins to decline somewhere between the ages of 40 and 50. The risk of falling increases with age, making falls a significant concern for older adults. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than one in every four adults over the age of 65 experiences a fall each year. What’s even more surprising is that less than half of adults who fall report it to their doctor.
You are right to be concerned about your parents falling and no one knowing. It sounds like they are rather active, which is important as they continue to age. However, it can also cause them to experience a fall, especially when they take unnecessary risks.
As a daughter, you can help them prevent a fall by ensuring that their home environment remains safe. Start by removing all potential fall hazards, such as throw rugs, electrical cords, and clutter along common pathways. Repair loose floorboards and secure all carpeting. Make sure their furniture is arranged such that they can easily navigate without having to step over objects.
Next, verify that their home is adequately lit. Poor lighting can increase their risk for falls. Install brighter lightbulbs where needed. Purchase nightlights to place around the home, including their bathroom, bedroom, and pathways throughout their home. Many nightlights now have a sensor and automatically turn on when they sense motion or darkness.
Encourage your parents to wear nonskid shoes around their home. Socks and slippers pose a greater fall risk for older adults. Nonslip shoes provide stability and support. If they prefer a shoe-free home, purchase a pair of nonslip shoes that they only wear indoors.
Continue to encourage your parents to slow down and ask for help. Suggest your parents call you when they’re about to work in the garden or garage. That way you’ll know what they’re up to and can call them to check on them when you have a break in your day. You can also explore medical alert devices and share how that would give you a greater sense of peace. At the very least, they should always have their cell phone within reach.
Finally, encourage your parents to remain as active as possible. Staying physically active is just as vital to fall prevention as ensuring a safe home environment.
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