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How Many Falls Do You Need to Have Before You Should Consider Assisted Living?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.
Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers
You needn’t have a set number of falls before you consider assisted living. Instead, base the decision to transition to senior care on overall health and safety concerns. For example, if you feel as though you can no longer independently take care of yourself, assisted living is a good option.
These communities offer 24/7 supervision, personal caregivers and a secure environment, which helps protect against falls and other health issues.
The risk of falling as an older adult
As adults age, they typically experience increased health and safety risks. One of these risks is falling. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 25% of seniors fall annually, with many falling more than once. About 3 million of these seniors receive treatment in emergency rooms, with many patients sustaining broken bones, head injuries and hip fractures. Tragically, about 32,000 seniors have fatal injuries every year.
When it comes to causes, seniors suddenly fall for many reasons. Sometimes, falls are isolated incidents. In other cases, age-related health issues are to blame. For example, vision problems, diabetes and heart disease can increase the risk of falling.
How assisted living homes can reduce fall risks
Among seniors in the United States, falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries. While a single fall isn’t always cause for concern, multiple falls indicate an underlying issue. One of the best ways to reduce the risk of falls is to consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause. A health care provider can also advise if moving into an assisted living home may be the best choice.
Unlike traditional, residential homes, assisted living communities implement safety measures designed to reduce falls. Many homes offer elevators so that seniors can avoid stairs, and personal caregivers can provide ambulatory assistance if necessary. These communities also offer personal care services to improve overall well-being, such as medication management and assistance with daily living activities. If you want to improve your safety and personal health, assisted living may be the right choice.