Adults who have dementia are more likely to fall than people who have normal cognitive function. Of those aging people who fall, seniors who have dementia are more likely to sustain a bone fracture. Falls lead to physical injuries, can aggravate cognitive decline, and result in a loss of independence. Every family must pay attention to fall hazards in their homes and any signs of fall risks. Also, families must know when it’s time to seek professional care services. These services can offer effective safety methods tailored to minimize fall risks for people with dementia. You can learn more about this below:
Reasons Dementia Sufferers Are a Risk of Falling
Cognitive diseases like dementia have symptoms that could result in a fall. They include the following:
- Impaired judgment. Often, elderly people who have dementia cannot recognize fall hazards and risk signs. For instance, they might not recognize a wet floor or realize they need to sit down whenever they feel dizzy.
- Poor perception. Elderly people who have dementia may have a poor perception of depth and may environmental interpretation. For instance, they fail to perceive the need to step down or may experience illusions.
- Changes in senses. A person with dementia may also experience changes in senses such as touch, sound, and sight. Elderly people may fail to recognize sensory input and fall warning signs.
- Reduced memory. Dementia results in impaired short-term memory. Elderly people may not be able to remember new information. For instance, they may forget that you told them not to walk through the living room as the floor was wet.
- Medication side effects. People with dementia may need to take medications for this condition or other conditions. However, such medications may cause disorientation, dizziness, or weakness, which heightens their risk of falling.
Understanding the way dementia increases your loved one’s fall risk can help you prepare to assist them.
Tips to Prevent Dementia
If you have a family member with dementia, here are tips to keep them safe:
- Ensure proper lighting. To improve your loved one’s sight and perception, ensure every room they visit is well-lit without too much glare. Get rid of shadows as they can throw off the depth perception of your loved one. In bedrooms, hallways, and bathrooms, nightlights tend to work best in preventing disorientation during nighttime trips.
- Improve contrast. Creating a contrast in a room can improve your loved one’s perception and vision capabilities. For instance, furniture can have a different color than the wall and floor. Pick solid colors instead of patterns. Do not use black in a space as it can confuse your loved one and they can see it as a black hole.
- Declutter the space. Get rid of obstacles like electrical cords, loose rugs, and furniture from the pathways, particularly in high-traffic locations. Creating an open space can facilitate movement. This can be achieved by reducing unnecessary furniture. Also, keep the driveways and walkways clear.
- Stay organized. Ensure items are kept in places that your loved one with dementia can easily access. Frequently items should be arranged within arm’s reach. This can help reduce the chances of falls. But make sure to consider the routine and preferences of your loved one. They may be accustomed to where the cutlery is, for instance. Too much moving of household items can confuse your loved one and cause them to wander the house to find things.
- Take advantage of assistive devices. Give your loved one appropriate walking aids like canes or walkers as this can improve stability. Use motion sensors or wearable alarms that alert the caregiver if your loved one wanders or falls.
- Hire personal care services. Professional caregivers can give your loved one one-on-one attention, preventing falls. They understand the unique impact of dementia on your loved one.
