Dementia And Fall Risk: Facts, Resources, & Support

Category: Fall Prevention-Health-Safety | Published on: 04/01/24

dementia and fall risk facts resources support

Adults 65+ have increased fall risk due to age-related changes, but fall risks significantly with an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis. There are several reasons for this, the majority of which can be supported in order to prevent seniors from unnecessary injuries, hospital stays, or debilitating long-term effects.

The Connection Between Dementia And Fall Risk

According to the CDC, millions of older people—those 65 and older—fall. One out of four seniors 65+ experience falls, and once someone falls, their risk for a future fall doubles. The most common reasons for age-related fall risk include strength, balance, stamina, and vision changes. However, once someone receives a dementia diagnosis, the chances go up even further due to a variety of direct and indirect factors.

We like to remind clients that having a dementia diagnosis doesn’t mean a fall is inevitable. In fact, implementing research-driven preventative support can eliminate the risk altogether. However, without taking proactive measures, an eventual fall may be inevitable.

Direct & Indirect Factors Affecting Fall Risk For Seniors With Dementia

Some of the direct factors that increase the fall risk for adults with dementia or Alzheimer’s are the result of physiologic changes. Finding the right mobility support is essential, especially during the transition from early to mid-stage dementia. As things progress, some caregiver support becomes necessary to keep loved ones safe.

A shuffling gate

Compromised neural connections eventually affect a person’s gait (how a person walks). Over time, as adults move from mid- to late-stage dementia, they tend to shuffle and wobble a bit more, and this makes them far more prone to tripping and falling.

Confusion or wandering

A general confusion about where they are and how to get back escalates emotions like fear and anxiety, which leads to more erratic movements. This is exacerbated if they begin wandering. Without supervision or some type of safeguard in place, people with dementia or Alzheimer's are prone to wandering. This may be in bare feet or slippers, and they aren’t observant about their surroundings or the terrain, making them prone to tripping, falling, and other injuries.

Memory loss affects eating and medication dosage

If someone is neglecting to eat, doesn’t remember to take their medication, or takes too much medication, they can become weak or dizzy, affecting how they move.

Medication side effects

Similarly, medications taken for dementia, Alzheimer's, dementia, or pre-existing conditions may have side effects that contribute to dizziness, weakness, or loss of balance. Establishing a medication management plan mitigates this risk, and daily support and check-ins can help to red-flag potential medication side effects or contraindications (medications that don’t react well together) that should be addressed by the pharmacist or your loved one’s physician.

Sleep disruptions

Disrupted sleep patterns are also a common experience for older adults but are of special concern for those with dementia. Not getting enough sleep exacerbates all of the things listed above. Establishing a healthy sleep routine is one of the best ways to maintain a healthy circadian rhythm (awake by day, asleep by night). And, if you’re a spouse or family caregiver, keeping this same rhythm also supports your well-being by protecting against fatigue and burnout.

So, you can see how some of the direct physiologic changes occurring for those with dementia contribute to indirect effects - all of which increase fall risk.

Minimize Fall Risk For Loved Ones With Dementia

The good news is that we can do plenty to minimize the risk of falls, the majority of which are simple to implement.

Create a safe living environment

First and foremost, it’s time to implement the tenets of a senior-safe home. This includes things like:

Declutter the home and ensure ample space for access around tables, chairs, sofas, doorways, hallways, etc.
Ensuring everything they need is on one floor (bedroom, living room, kitchen, and bathroom), and barring access to the upper/lower levels to prevent stair falls.
Building ramps wherever there are stairs in entranceways to/from the home.
Securing/installing handrails wherever there are elevation changes.
Installing grab bars in the bath/shower area and toilet (the bathroom is by far the most dangerous room in the home).
Use motion-sensitive lighting and create a schedule to replace lightbulbs before they burn out.
Eliminate area rugs or secure the edges/corners so they don’t create a trip hazard.

Ensure they’re eating nourishing meals

This is an important one. Recognizing signs of malnourishment in seniors goes a long way toward improving their physical, mental, and emotional health. Establishing meal deliveries of some kind works well for seniors who live alone without dementia. However, once memory loss is an issue, you must ensure they eat the provided meals. All too often, those meals accumulate and rot because people with dementia forget all about them. Having a part-time caregiver provide daily check-ins is the best way to do this if family caregivers are unavailable.

Establish a daily exercise routine

Keeping physically active is essential to maintain strength, balance, and stamina. Again, a part-time caregiver can work wonders on this front. We become exercise partners, working out with our clients in their homes or taking them to senior-centered exercise classes in the area.

We have a range of posts focusing on senior-friendly exercises, most of which can be done at home. Examples include:

In addition to boosting overall wellness, a physically tired person is more apt to sleep well at night, which supports the healthy sleep habits mentioned above.

Keep them socially engaged

Seniors who are socially engaged experience lower risks of depression and anxiety. Both of these emotions tend to make adults more reclusive. And, the more sedentary they are, the weaker they become. Also, depressed people tend to develop a listlessness that causes them to eat less or not pay attention to medication reminders as the days all blur together.

Provide help and support with everyday tasks

The older we get, the harder it is to perform daily tasks, and that’s especially true for anyone with dementia or Alzheimer’s. If your loved one opts to remain at home rather than transition into assisted living or memory care, daily support is critical to their safety, health, and well-being.

Provide light housekeeping services.
Ensure laundry and linens are washed/changed.
Meal services are a must.
Think about establishing part-time caregiving support that can increase as the loved one’s situation progresses.

Let HomeAide Home Care Support Your Long-Term Fall Prevention Plan

HomeAide Home Care has provided in-home support to seniors throughout the Bay Area for more than two decades. Our in-home assessments are completely free and carry no obligation. We provide an objective and experienced perspective on how to create a long-term fall prevention plan for seniors with dementia, as well as expert tips on how to support their independence, safety, and quality of life as they age in the comfort of their own homes.