We know from personal experience that people living with dementia tend to be at higher risk of falling and are three times more likely to fracture their hip when they fall.

Jo's Mum had a number of falls during the 6 years she helped care for her which included several lengthy stays in hospital and two lots of surgery on fractured limbs.

 Her falls were caused by:

• Increased levels of confusion

• Lack of nutrition and dehydration

• Disorientation

• Boredom

Other reasons for increased risks of falling for people living with dementia include: 

• Impaired vision and spatial awareness

• Side effects of medication

• Poor balance

• Fatigue

• Memory impairment

• Lack of physical exercise

The consequences of falling can include:

• The need for hospitalisation

• Surgery

• Immobility

• Higher risk of death

So fall prevention for people with dementia is critical. Understanding why they fall is a good starting point in helping to reduce falls in people with dementia. If we know what makes our loved ones more likely to fall, we can try to anticipate those needs and decrease falls.

Our top tips to manage falls:

• Eat regularly – getting enough energy is important in keeping up strength and preventing falls.

• Stay hydrated-  if you don’t drink enough it’s likely that you’ll start to feel light-headed increasing your risk of a fall.

• Get eyesight and glasses checked regularly  to detect any vision problems early, before they cause loss of balance and coordination.

• Choose the right footwear as problems with your feet or shoes can affect your balance and increase your risk of tripping or falling

• Lookout for potential trip hazards – remove trailing wires, clutter and rugs and mats from around the home.

We will also share my top recommended product solutions below to help you manage falls.

Our top recommended product solutions here to help you manage falls: 

• Airlert Bed Pressure Mattress Fall Prevention Alarms – help prevent falls from a bed

• Cushions & Motion Sensors – prevent falls from chairs and other areas

• Grab Rails – improve stability and reduce falls in the bathroom

• Coloured Toilet Aids – can help people to distinguish the toilet making it more visible and easier to locate.

Introducing Hcsuk’s FREE Guide to Help You Make Life More Meaningful For People Living With Dementia

Our 'How To Live Well With Dementia' guide is designed as a holistic resource for you including helpful information on the main symptoms of dementia, recognition of the challenges you could be facing and the consequences, best practice advice, hints, tips on how to manage these symptoms. 

Our guide also offers a range of our product solutions which can help you to meet the needs of the person living with dementia.

This guide explores: 

• Loss of Appetite

• Difficulty Eating

• Dehydration 

• Managing Falls

• Sundowning

• Memory Loss

• Communication 

• Mood and Behaviour Changes

Click here to get your 'How To Live Well With Dementia Guide'

And always remember – 

‘Don’t approach the challenges that come along with dementia with dread.

Instead, think positive and find a solution.’ 

– Bob DeMarco

Image Source: Unsplash