Senior Assisted Living Care Home - Glendora, CA - Adora Hills

Glendora Senior Care Home

Mobility

Practical Solutions to Balance Problems Seniors Experience

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Balance problems seniors experience can be linked to the workings of the inner ear.

Always Walking A Tightrope — Maintaining Our Balance Seems A Lot Easier Than It Is. Looking at the human body, have you ever wondered how we even manage to stand up and walk without falling over?  Most people don’t think about it, but there are common balance problems seniors experience. There is no need to.  Our system of balance may be complex, but it is designed to work automatically and does not require our attention…unless.

Every year, more than one quarter of the seniors over the age of 65 fall at least one time.  A good deal of these falls are do to poor balance or a balance disorder.  These problems are not an inevitable consequence of aging, however they are pretty common among seniors.  Does this mean that unsteady seniors need to accept their fate of falling?  No.  Fortunately, many balance issues can be lessened, or even alleviated, through an accurate diagnosis by a doctor, followed by the appropriate medical treatment and/or specific rehabilitation exercises.

Teamwork Is Necessary for Seniors to Avoid Balance Problems

Maintaining one’s balance can be a problem for seniors and takes a team effort.  There are a variety of systems that work together to provide the brain with the information that is necessary to maintain equilibrium or stability.

  • Central Nervous System – Coordinates, manages and responds to data fed to the brain from the rest of the body.
  • Vestibular System – Part of the inner ear, also known as the labyrinth, that maintains stability during head and eye movements.
  • Sensory Systems – Including sight and hearing, these systems feed the brain with critical data.
  • Proprioceptors – System of nerve endings that provide the sensation of movement and position.
  • Muscular System – Allows for quick response and provides the necessary strength to make corrections that maintain balance.

Keeping Your Balance

Balance issues and problems may come up for seniors at any time.  Here are some suggestions that can help someone to cope with these challenges in daily life.

  • When walking, set your focus on an object in the distance.  Looking down at your feet can make things worse. 
  • When riding in a car, look at a fixed point in the distance.  When going around a curve, that point needs to be beyond the curve.  Also, sitting in the front seat can be helpful.
  • Change position slowly.  When standing, do not take a step for 5 seconds, or until you have your balance.
  • Utilize your sensory systems to the max.  If that means wearing prescribed eye glasses and hearing aids, then do so.
  • Use a cane, walker or walking stick to provide support and extra tactile orientation.

As we age it’s good to be more aware of balance problems seniors experience. It may be time to consider additional care options including a senior care home.

(Sources:  BalanceandMobility.com, Medicinenet.com, NIDCD.NIH.gov)

Falling Down Goes Up With Age – Falling Down Goes Up With Age

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Stairways in the home of a senior can be a hazard.  Make sure there are sturdy handrails on both sides, the steps are clear, the surface is in good condition and the lighting is bright and even.  (Shadows can cause problems.)

Seniors Are More Susceptible To Taking A Fall

In the U.S., falls are the leading cause of injuries in people 65 years old and up.  Understandably, accidents and health conditions are the leading culprits.  What’s really surprising is that most of the falls occur at home, while performing common activities. 

What causes the falls?  Balance can be affected by medications, alcohol, heart disease, low blood pressure or arthritis.  Poor eyesight and hearing, decreased coordination and strength, slower reflexes and other disabilities can be factors.  Within the household, worn carpets, newly positioned furniture, clutter on the floor, poor lighting, electric wires, stairs and wet floors can lead to trouble. 

Fortunately most falls are minor and result in a quick recovery.  But the severity of injury increases with age with the most common injuries being head traumas and fractures to the hip, wrist and spine.  Even when there is no physical injury, there can be a dramatic affect on the senior and their family.  Fear of future falls can decrease confidence, which can lead to less independence and social life. 

Tips For Avoiding Falls

  • Avoid clutter on the floors, especially in the normal paths of traffic. 
  • Don’t leave something in a pathway “just for a second”.  It’s usually the wrong second.
  • Place electrical and telephone cords out of pathways.
  • Carpets should be wall-to-wall and low pile.
  • It’s best to eliminate throw rugs.  Otherwise, attach them to the floor with tacks or carpet tape.  The last choice is to make sure they have a non-skid backing.
  • Fix loose floorboards.
  • Do not wax floors or use non-skid wax.
  • Steps should be no taller than 6 inches and all steps should be the same height and depth.
  • For those with poor vision, attach a bright colored piece of adhesive tape to first and last steps…and any place there is a variation in the height or depth of a step.
  • Avoid the use of stairs when possible.  This may mean rearranging the use of rooms or even installing a motorized lift.
  • Chairs and sofas should be high enough and firm enough to make it easier to sit or stand. 
  • Chairs should have high backs and sturdy armrests so they can be used to support sitting and standing. 

(Sources: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, A Variety Of Articles & Books)