Preventing Falls at Home: How Early Detection Can Save Lives (and Bones)

Preventing Falls at Home: How Early Detection Can Save Lives (and Bones)

Preventing Falls at Home are not just an unfortunate accident; for older adults, they represent a significant health risk, often leading to serious injuries, loss of independence, and even premature death. In England alone, a staggering number of homes pose a falls risk, highlighting a critical need for proactive prevention strategies. But what if there was a way to identify potential risks before a fall occurs, offering peace of mind and timely intervention?

The Alarming Reality of Falls in England

The statistics paint a sobering picture. According to Ageing Better, an estimated 4.3 million homes in England are at risk, with 2.3 million of these being occupied by someone aged 65 or over. This means that millions of older individuals are living in environments that could contribute to a life-altering incident.

Falls aren’t just about slipping on a rug; they’re often complex events influenced by a combination of factors:

• Environmental hazards: Poor lighting, loose carpets, cluttered pathways, and a lack of grab rails.

• Physical changes: Muscle weakness, poor balance, vision impairment, and dizziness from medication.

• Cognitive decline: Difficulty assessing risks, impaired judgment.

The consequences are severe. Every year, over 220,000 emergency admissions to hospital are due to falls in people aged 65 and over. Beyond the physical pain of fractures and head injuries, falls can lead to a profound fear of falling, causing individuals to restrict their activities, become more isolated, and ultimately accelerate physical decline.

Beyond the Trivial: Why Falls Prevention is Crucial

It’s easy to dismiss a fall as “just one of those things,” but the reality is far more serious. A significant proportion of older adults never fully recovers their mobility or independence after a serious fall. The cost to the NHS is substantial, estimated at over £2.3 billion per year, but the human cost is immeasurable.

This is where early intervention becomes not just beneficial, but essential. Identifying individuals at risk and putting preventative measures in place before an incident can dramatically reduce the likelihood of a fall and its devastating consequences.

Introducing CareCallingnow: Your Proactive Partner in Falls Prevention

While home modifications and exercise programs are vital long-term strategies, how do you know when an immediate concern arises if you can’t be there every day? This is precisely where CareCallingnow offers a unique and invaluable solution – a daily, scheduled safety check-in that keeps a gentle watch over your loved ones from a distance.

CareCallingnow provides a daily automated phone call to your loved one at a time of their own choosing each day. This consistency allows them to develop a routine around our call, fostering a sense of reliability and connection. This service is not about in-home visits or physical checks of the routine within the home, but rather about establishing a consistent point of contact that can:

• Detect Changes Through Consistent Interaction: Loved ones who are consistently unable to answer during daily check-ins can be an early indicator of a problem, including increased frailty, an unreported near-fall, or a general decline in well-being.

• Provide Timely Alerts Without Intrusiveness: If the 3 calls go unanswered or a concern arises from the conversation, CareCallingNow can promptly alert designated family members or caregivers. This allows for immediate follow-up and intervention, addressing potential issues before they escalate into a full-blown emergency, all while respecting the individual’s independence and privacy.

• Offer Reassurance and Reduce Isolation: For individuals living alone, the choice of a live daily call (costs more), knowing that a friendly voice will be checking in regularly, provides immense comfort and reduces feelings of isolation. This regular social contact can itself contribute to a better state of mind and potentially a reduced risk of falls.

This is not a loneliness call.

CareCallingnow acts as an effective early warning system, bridging the gap between independent living and the need for support. It helps families feel connected and informed, enabling them to act quickly if their loved one shows signs of increased fall risk or has experienced a minor incident they haven’t reported, all through the power of a simple, daily call.

Taking Action Against Falls

Preventing falls requires a multi-faceted approach. While solutions like CareCallingnow provide crucial early detection and peace of mind through daily check-in calls, individuals and families should also consider:

1. Home Safety Assessments: Regularly check for hazards like loose rugs, poor lighting, and obstacles. Consider installing grab bars in bathrooms and stair railings.

2. Regular Exercise: Activities that improve balance, strength, and flexibility (like Tai Chi, yoga, or simple walking) are incredibly beneficial.

3. Medication Review: Discuss medications with a doctor or pharmacist, as some can cause dizziness or drowsiness.

4. Vision Checks: Ensure regular eye exams and updated prescriptions.

5. Wearing Appropriate Footwear: Sturdy, well-fitting shoes with good grip are essential.

6. Medical Conditions: Like low blood pressure or arrhythmias, and diabetes.
7. Poor Nutrition: not enough good food … poor eating habits.  

By combining proactive remote monitoring solutions, such as CareCallingNow, with practical home safety measures and healthy lifestyle choices, we can significantly reduce the damage caused by falls and empower older adults to live safer, more independent, and fulfilling lives.
Don’t wait for a fall to happen; take action today.