7 ways to prevent falls for people with dementia

A hospitalisation from a fall is a common theme in my guardianship cases where the Subject of the SAT application has dementia.

Did you know that falls are one of the leading causes of hospitalisations for people with dementia?

A study showed that 26% of individuals with Alzheimer's were hospitalised due to falls, and people with dementia experience 8 times as many falls as those without dementia.

To help prevent falls in your loved one with dementia, here are 7 simple ways you can reduce fall risk:

1️⃣ Review their medications with a healthcare provider, as some medications can increase the risk of falls
2️⃣ Consider their medical conditions and diagnoses, such as Parkinson's disease or changes in blood pressure
3️⃣ Talk to their doctor about the best time of day to take medications to decrease falls risk
4️⃣ Be extra alert and vigilant during concerning times for falls
5️⃣ Do tests to assess their fall risk, such as closing their eyes while standing
6️⃣ Implement safety measures in the bathroom, such as using a shower chair or bench
7️⃣ Reduce fall risk by being mindful of when blood pressure changes can occur

When I speak to clients, concerns about falls risks come up time and again, and are a top-of-mind risk for Public Advocate Investigators when doing reports in advance of a hearing. Something to be mindful about when caring for people with dementia.