Common Causes of Falls and How to Avoid Them

We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: Falls pose a large health risk to people over the age of 65. Most of us are familiar with common fall causes, like slippery bathroom floors and rogue items on the floor. But many of us are oblivious to the less obvious dangers – dim lighting and certain medications, among others. The only way to keep yourself as safe as possible is to recognize everyday risks. Below, we’ve outlined some of the most common but less obvious fall causes, as well as why a medical alert system is the most important tool in your fall safety arsenal.

We all have that poorly lit hallway. In your house, it might be that one spot in the living room the lamp light doesn’t quite reach. Unfortunately, dangerous objects can lurk in these dark corners, causing unexpected trips and falls. Even the tidiest person can have something on the floor in a dark part of the house. In general, proceed with caution through these areas, but do your best to add proper lighting. Stick-on wall lamps, for example, can be a great option for those looking for a quick fix. 

While this isn’t something you can trip over, it is definitely something that can trip you up. Foot problems, including pain and deformities, can cause unexpected falls both inside and outside the home. If you’re experiencing chronic pain, visit your doctor. You may be able to mitigate the discomfort with doctor-recommended shoes or mild pain relievers. 

Those with bradycardia (slow heart rate) and tachycardia (rapid heart rate) are more prone to fainting and black outs, which significantly increases a person’s chance of having a fall. If you are diagnosed with either of these conditions, speak with your doctor about options for fall prevention. Often, a medical alert system is the best choice, but you can also minimize risk with a cane or walker. 

Many medications share a common list of possible side effects: dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, blurred or double vision, and mental fog. If you use any of these medicines, you are at a higher risk of falling. The medications that most commonly cause these problems include blood pressure medications, sedatives, medication for epilepsy, and psychotropics. While there is little you can do to completely prevent a fall from medication side effects, talk to your doctor about your options. 

While you can work to anticipate everyday fall dangers, there is nothing you can do to completely prevent an accident. This is why a medical alert system is the most important emergency tool you can have. At your most vulnerable moment, you can rest assured you have the device required to get the help you need.

If you’re especially worried about taking a spill, consider our added fall protectionas another way to safeguard against an emergency. With this service, an add-on for our medical alert systems, you won’t even need to push a button to summon help. As soon as the device senses your fall, it will automatically call an emergency responder, who will then connect you to the service you need. And, if you’re worried about Life Alert costs, know that our rates are lower than many of our competitors, and our service is among the best available.