Protecting the frail
Frailty can be a daunting issue to address when caring for someone elderly. However, there are several ways you can help to protect your loved one. Frailty is a term used to describe a gradual decline in strength, energy and resilience that can make everyday activities, such as getting dressed or climbing stairs, feel more difficult. It isn't an inevitable part of ageing, and with the right support, its effects can often be reduced or managed.
A major issue arising from elderly frailty is the risk of falls
However, this risk can be reduced by being better informed and by implementing simple fall prevention solutions. At Home Instead, we can provide practical advice on how your elderly loved one can regain confidence after a fall and how to prevent further accidents.
For Home Instead’s Care Professionals, the physical health of our clients is a priority. Our approach to elderly frailty has been developed from many years of experience and specialist training. We know that frailty can develop gradually, so it’s not always easy to spot. Signs to look out for include:
– Unintentional weight loss
– Reduced muscle strength or slower walking pace
– Feeling exhausted after light activity
– Reduced physical activity levels
– Increased susceptibility to illness or slower recovery
With proper guidance and support at home, older people can maintain their independence and stay ‘falls free’.
What are the risks involved in a fall?
A fall can be a huge setback for an older person and could cause serious injury, or even contribute to death. Falls cost the NHS more than £1 billion a year and account for four million hospital bed days. A fall can often be seen as a sign that an older person’s health or physical ability is declining, but this isn’t necessarily the case.
Beyond the physical injury, falls can also have a lasting psychological impact. It’s common for someone to develop a fear of falling again, which can lead them to avoid activity altogether, which increases their risk of future falls by allowing muscles to weaken further. Rebuilding confidence gently, at a pace that feels manageable, is just as important as physical recovery.
If you’re concerned about your elderly relative’s frailty or mobility, a good first step is to take them to their GP, who can assess their overall health and well-being. They can also assess any vulnerabilities and advise on aids such as a stick or walker, which could help with daily living activities. With proper guidance and support at home, older people can maintain their independence and stay ‘falls free’.
Top tips to aid in fall prevention
- Keep active: Regular activities to improve strength and balance can reduce the chances of falling. Try using the stairs frequently, gentle strength exercises with weights or resistance bands, or activities like Tai Chi or dancing that build balance and coordination in an enjoyable way.
- Keep your home safe: A major cause of falls is tripping over hazards such as frayed rugs or furniture. Minimise this risk by keeping the home as clutter-free and well-lit as possible, securing loose cables and rugs, adding grab rails in the bathroom, and ensuring stairs have secure handrails.
- Keep well: Good health can reduce the risk of falling. Older adults should keep up to date with medical appointments and check their medications: some can cause drowsiness or dizziness, which may cause a fall. Regular sight and hearing tests are also important, as poor vision or hearing can affect balance and awareness of surroundings.
- Keep nourished: A healthy, balanced diet including less sugar and staying hydrated helps to maintain a healthy body and can lessen the risk of falling. Adequate protein and vitamin D also support muscle and bone strength, which play a key role in staying steady on your feet.
- Wear the right footwear: Well-fitting shoes with good grip and low heels give much better support and stability than slippers or socks alone, particularly on stairs or slippery floors.
- Consider a personal alarm: For extra reassurance, a personal alarm can mean help is only a button press away if a fall does happen, giving both the individual and their family greater peace of mind.
How Home Instead can help
Our Care Professionals are trained to spot the early signs of frailty and to help build a home environment and daily routine that reduces the risk of falls, while supporting your loved one to stay as active, confident and independent as possible. From help with mobility and light exercise, to housekeeping that keeps the home free of hazards, we’re here to support the whole picture of frailty care, not just the physical side, but the confidence and reassurance that come with it too.