Dementia Answers: How to Prevent Falls?
Video Transcript [Answer 1017]
Welcome and thank you for joining me.
Today we'll talk about how to prevent falls in people living with Dementia.
Falls are a serious concern because Dementia can affect balance, vision, judgment, and awareness of danger. Preventing falls helps keep people safe, independent, and confident in their daily lives.
Why do falls happen more often?
People living with Dementia may forget to use a walker or cane. They may misjudge steps, trip over clutter, or stand up too quickly. Confusion, poor lighting, and medication side effects can also increase fall risk.
How can you make the home safer?
Start by keeping walking areas clear. Remove loose rugs, cords, and clutter. Make sure floors are dry and not slippery.
Good lighting is very important. Use bright lights in hallways, bathrooms, and stairways, especially at night. Nightlights can help guide the way.
Install safety tools such as grab bars in the bathroom and handrails on stairs. Use non-slip mats in the shower and near sinks.
Make sure shoes fit well and have non-slip soles. Avoid walking in socks on smooth floors.
Support healthy movement. Gentle exercise like walking or chair exercises can improve strength and balance. A physical therapist can suggest safe movements and proper use of walkers or canes. Encourage slow movements when standing up to prevent dizziness.
Check health and medications. Regular vision and hearing checks can reduce fall risk. Ask a healthcare provider to review medications, as some can cause dizziness or sleepiness.
Fall prevention is about planning, awareness, and patience. Small changes can make a big difference in safety and confidence.
On behalf of the Dementia Society of America®, thank you again for joining me today. Stay informed, stay healthy, and take care of yourself.
Disclaimer: Dementia Society of America (DSA) provides educational content only and does not offer medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your medical care. DSA content is created by both human and computer-generated means and is reviewed for accuracy; however, errors may occur. Views expressed by third-party contributors do not necessarily reflect those of DSA. Unless expressly stated, DSA does not endorse or guarantee any third-party products, services, organizations, or external content. All DSA content is copyrighted and/or trademarked and may not be used without written permission.
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