Best Ways to Prevent Falls from Dementia

Best Ways to Prevent Falls from Dementia

Best Ways to Prevent Falls from Dementia

DEMENTIA FALLS AND THE BEST WAYS FOR PREVENTION

 Prevent Falls from Dementia

What is the Best Ways to Prevent Falls from Dementia?  First of all, Elderly men and women with symptoms of dementia are 1000% more likely to fall than other seniors.  The data from,  the ” Incidence and Prediction of Falls in Dementia: A Prospective Study in Older People” offers valuable information.  To sum up,  dementia will bring in new fall risks.  These risks are above and beyond the standard reasons why seniors may fall.

Here are some of the reasons why people that have dementia have a greater falling risk:

  • Loss of mobility as well as balance.  For example, new found muscle limitations
  • Changes in senior’s Vision.  to illustrate, this makes depth, colors as well as small objects harder to discern
  • Medications may lead to drowsiness and light headiness.  Finally, lower blood pressure to an unsafe level.
  • A significant slowing in the processing of surroundings as well as sudden changes in the situation
  • Having a lapse in Memory makes it hard for dementia sufferer to concentrate.
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In conclusion, falls are the #1 cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among seniors.  Again, it is crucial that the caregivers of people suffering from dementia put extra effort into preventing falls.

Here are some additional Ways to Prevent Falls from Dementia

There are many important facts.   First of all, always keep in mind to make your patient or loved one’s home fall risk free. Here are some easy tips you can do to keep them as safe as possible.

  • One of the Best Ways to Prevent Falls from Dementia is to Monitor medications.  First,  with the help of your doctor, try to get rid of medications that are raising the patient’s fall risk.  For example, sleep aids as well as other narcotics) and aren’t vital.  Make sure their smart pill box is accurate.
  • Keep all of the patients living areas clear of tripping hazards.  For example, throw rugs and uneven floors.
  • Make sure the house is adequately lite.
  • Help the patient go to the bathroom often.  Hence, this will eliminate hasty trips when accidents could happen.
  • Always try to use visual cues.  This will remind patients where they need to go.
  • Schedule regular eye examinations.  Again, vision issues are a leading cause for falls!
  • Avoid bifocals for patients’.  They may cause depth perception issues which leads to making it difficult to climb steps.
  • Try vitamin D, current research has shown that Vitamin D can decrease chances of a fall.
  • Try to keep noise level down.  First, these noises can triggering anxiety attacks.  Attacks can lead to dementia sufferers being unsteady and eventually lead to a falling.

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If you can’t remember whether you took your medication, what do you do?

What happens if you don’t remember if you took your medications?  When one is not sure if you took a pill, never, ever just take another dose yet. What could happen if you double dose?  If someone ingests an additional dose, the consequences can be deadly. In fact, an extra dose can raise the risk of harmful effects. Check your pill organizer, count the remaining pills in the bottle, or review the instructions that came with your prescription to find specific guidance. 

doctorHealth care profsionals are in agreement, “For most medications, it is safer to accidentally miss a single dose than to double dose” . Keep in mind that the pill/dosing guidelines vary drastically depending on the medication.  For example, it is different for  blood thinners or something like birth control.), it is always best to double-check with a professional.  If in doubt, call the local pharmacy you got the prescription filled.  Also, call e the America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 .  This can help if you are concerned about over dosing. 

For further guidance, consult I can’t remember whether I took my medication, what do I do? on Medical News Today. To help prevent confusion in the future, you can implement some 9 Simple Strategies for Remembering To Take Your Medication or read the Why You Shouldn’t Skip Your Medication guide on WebMD.
 
If you are missing doses consistently, a few strategies can help get your routine back on track:
  • Use a weekly pillbox: These old fashion pill holders can be useful.   They show a quick visual cue to show which days  doses have been taken.
  • Use a Digital Pill Reminder: Medication reminders, like the Med-Q pill Box. have flashing guides.  These alarmed reminders help preventing over dosing. 
  • Try to do Habit stacking: Match up your daily pill-taking with a non-negotiable daily habit.  For example, your first cup of coffee or brushing yourhair.
  • Set electronic reminders: Use persistent reminder apps, alarm clocks, or simple smart phone alarm reminders.

What to do if Unsure?

The worry about over doing is real.  When unsure whether the dose has been taken, the best thing to do is speak with your health care provider or even your pharmacist. They will  advise you on the best course of action based on ythe specific medication. that is over dosed.

pill box for seniors

If you take oral tablets or capsules, you can count how many pills you have left. If you know when you started taking the pills out of that prescription bottle, this could help you determine whether you’ve taken your dose for that day.

Sometimes, when you haven’t taken your medication, there may still be time to take that dose. However, this could depend on the drug and dosing schedule.

Although in some cases, if it’s almost time to take your next dose, your doctor may recommend skipping the missed dose and taking your next dose at its regular time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose as doing so could raise your risk of side effects.

What happens if you accidentally take your medication twice?

Do not take more of a drug than your doctor prescribes. While serious side effects may be rare, for some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to harmful effects or overdose. Some of the most dangerous medications to double-dose include:

  • heart maintenece medications
  • ADHD drugs, for example “Adderall”
  • medications for Type 1 Diabetes
  • prescription narcotic pain pills
  • psychiatric medications , for example “Wellbutrin.”

If you have any doubt, act quickly. 

Fist of all, contact your doctor right away.  Let them know you may have accidentally taken two doses or three doses of your daily medication. They will offer up advice.  The Healthcare profesional can often advise of what steps to take.  Also, they will let you know about symptoms to watch out for.

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