People with dementia face greater risks of falling than other elderly. It may be due to the impaired cognitive function lowering awareness and judgement about a person’s surroundings, or brain degeneration causing muscle spasms and hampered movement and balance, or side effects of psychiatric medication. A fall can lead to fractures, brain damage or even fatal injuries. Carers of people with dementia must take the following precautions to prevent falls and keep them safe.
Fall Prevention Tips
Regular activities
- Help family members with dementia join interesting activities and reduce purposeless strolling
- Arrange regular routines and minimise confusion
Suitable exercises
- Take physiotherapy, balancing exercises, stretching and muscle training to enhance balance and agility
Regular health checks
- Consult physiotherapist about suitable walking aids to enhance mobility
- Check eye-sight
- Note medication side-effects (such as postural hypotension, muscle stiffness and sleepiness)
- Undergo regular osteoporosis examination and prevent bone fractures due to osteoporosis
Safe environment
- Use night lights to light the routes to bathrooms
- Install a leave bed alarm
- Create a safe, simple and clean home with labels
The right clothing
- Wear fitting clothing and comfortable non-slip shoes. Avoid wearing slippers
