Fall prevention – how to avoid falls!

Contents

Falls

A fall, whether on level ground or on the stairs, often has serious consequences – especially for senior citizens.

Injuries such as spinal fractures, fractures of the neck of the femur, bruises and sprains are often the consequences of a fall. What is often forgotten, however, is the less obvious side effect – the fear of falling again.

Vicious circle

By avoiding falls, those affected often fall into a kind of vicious circle from which it is difficult to escape without help and support – especially as they get older. Over time, the fear of falling again can develop into a kind of avoidance behaviour or even a complete refusal to continue being active and moving. Ultimately, every fall has consequences, both visible and invisible. This avoidance behaviour often leads to reduced activity and the resulting muscle atrophy. This can even lead to a shortened life expectancy. Falls are often associated with senior citizens. The German Medical Association North Rhine assumes that around 80 per cent of all over-80s and around 30 per cent of all over-65s fall in their own home every year. However, the risk of falling is not only higher for senior citizens, but also for people with limited mobility. In Germany, falls are one of the most common causes of accidents. Every year, more than 600,000 people in Germany suffer a fall accident – according to the Federal Statistical Office, 12,867 people died as a result in 2015 alone. Senior citizens and people with restricted mobility in particular sometimes injure themselves so badly that they are hospitalised for long periods of time.

What are the most common causes of falls?

Falls are often caused by more than one factor. It is often a combination of several causes that ultimately leads to the fall. A basic distinction is made between environmental and personal causes – also known as extrinsic and intrinsic causes.

Environmental causes

  • Tripping hazards (loose cables, poorly recognisable steps, wet surfaces, glasses of the wrong strength, clothing that is too loose or too long, shoes that are too big or too loose)
  • Poor lighting conditions
  • Slippery/smooth floor coveringsInappropriate
  • and/or faulty aids
Poor lighting conditions
Slippery/smooth floor coverings

Personal causes

  • Equilibrium / balance disorders
  • Muscle weakness / malnutrition
  • Gait disorders / movement restrictions
  • States of confusion
  • Mental changes such as anxiety, depression, restlessness
  • Speech disorders and thus the inability to express wishes can lead to risks being taken
  • Taking medication: Drowsiness, restlessness
  • Stroke or heart attack
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Visual disturbances
Mental changes
Equilibrium / balance disorders

Am I at risk of falling?

This can be answered very quickly and easily. If you answer “yes” to at least one of the following questions, you are at risk of falling.

  1. Have you ever had a fall?
  2. Are you unsure when walking?
  3. Do you suffer from visual impairment?

So what can you do to prevent falls?

Fall prevention includes measures to avoid and prevent falls.

This includes the environmental and personal measures mentioned below as well as training in the correct use of aids.

Regular movement exercises to maintain and/or improve the patient’s balance and musculature are also very important.
Because movement is the body’s own medicine and helps to prevent falls.

As with the causes, the measures are divided into environment-related and person-related.

Personalised measures

  • Take into account illnesses that affect the musculoskeletal system (e.g. multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, nervous disorders, etc.) as well as depression, dementia, blood pressure disorders, incontinence and visual impairment.
  • Promote balance
  • Train the musculoskeletal system in the event of existing gait disorders and
  • Promote muscle development through strength and endurance training.
Take musculoskeletal disorders into account
Promote the development of muscles

Environmental measures are

  • Remove any tripping hazards (e.g. loose cables, poorly recognisable steps, wet surfaces, incorrect spectacle lens thickness, clothing that is too long and loose, shoes that are too big or too loose)
  • Ensure sufficient lighting
  • Fit extra grab rails
  • Use the stair climbing aid to climb the stairs safely
  • Practise walking with walking aids
  • Fit the shoes properly.
Ensure sufficient lighting
Use the stair climbing aid to climb the stairs safely

Medication-related measures

  • Adjust the dosage in consultation with a doctor.
  • Remember that all measures could be an option for you or your relative in need of care.
  • You should look into strength and balance training, pay attention to the (side) effects of medication and, above all, eliminate any trip hazards in your home.

Isn't it safer to live in a nursing or retirement home?

Statistically speaking, no. People who live in institutions have a significantly higher risk of falling than people who live at home in familiar surroundings.

Around 50% of people living in institutions fall once a year – more than 40% even fall several times a year.

The risk is almost twice as high in the first few months after the move, as those affected are not yet familiar with their new surroundings.

Falling down stairs and fall prevention

There are a variety of aids available to prevent falls, especially on stairs. These help you to climb the stairs more safely and help you to avoid potential fall accidents on the stairs.

However, previous solutions often contribute to passivising the person affected and, in the worst case, make them even more insecure when climbing stairs.

The TOPRO Step stair climbing aid helps to mobilise the person concerned and provides the necessary safety and support when climbing stairs at home.

TOPRO Step is the innovative stair climbing aid developed and produced in Norway and offers the necessary safety and support that those affected need when climbing stairs in their own home.

The TOPRO Step stair climber is a cheaper alternative to a stairlift and helps those affected to remain active and mobile.

TOPRO Step information video

Climbing stairs regularly helps to increase your gait safety and keeps you active and mobile.TOPRO Step ensures safe stair climbing in your own home – and also outside. Because regular stair training can prevent future falls.

No licences or electrical connections are required and TOPRO Step can be installed at short notice. TOPRO Step is a module-based system and can be installed on almost all types of stairs.

Depending on your place of residence and country, you may be entitled to a subsidy from your insurance company or the state.

Why choose TOPRO Step?

Installation in 3 steps

To carry out an on-site inspection and receive a quote, make an appointment with us. Once you have accepted the quote, we will carry out the installation, which usually only takes a few hours.

TÜV tested and certified

TOPRO Step is TÜV-tested and certified and meets all functional and safety requirements.

Adaptable to your staircase

TOPRO Step is designed so that it can be easily adapted to your staircase. It can be installed on straight stairs, curved stairs and stairs with a landing.

Check for insurance coverage or help

Ask your health insurance company about the possibility of cost coverage or possible subsidies. Please note that these options are country-specific and individual.

Up to 5 years warranty

TOPRO Step means TOPRO quality. When you buy a TOPRO Step, you receive a guarantee of up to 5 years.

Over 2,000 satisfied users

We measure success by satisfied customers, which is our top priority. We already have over 4,000 satisfied users throughout Europe.

Choose your TOPRO Step

Configure your TOPRO Step - in just a few steps!

Get in touch with us

Would you like a free inspection or a no-obligation quote? Contact us and we’ll take care of the rest.

Do you have any questions or would you like to test the TOPRO Step stair climber?

We have compiled all frequently asked questions on the FAQ page

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