7 Potential Causes Why the Elderly Fall Out of Their Beds

by Kim Davies October 11, 2022

No one likes to think about getting old and losing their independence. But as one ages, the body begins to change, and they become more susceptible to injury. One potential hazard for elderly people is falling out of bed.

A few simple steps can be taken to help prevent falls in the bedroom, such as keeping the floor clear of clutter or having some extra additions in the bedroom to help you out. Bed step stools can be particularly helpful, providing aid when getting in and out of bed. Bed alarms can also help the elderly with feeling more alert and coordinated.

It's important to identify the cause of why an elderly loved one may fall out of their bed to resolve the issue. Here are some examples:

1) Physical Impediments

If your elderly loved one falls out of bed, it may be because they have a physical impairment. Some common physical impediments that can cause elderly people to fall out of bed include arthritis, sclerosis, paralysis, and more. It's recommended to add tools that can assist your loved one in avoiding any unfortunate accidents.

2) Medication Side Effects

Certain medications can cause side effects that make falling out of bed more likely. Medicines that can cause elderly people to fall out of bed may vary depending on the prescription and how one's body reacts. Talk to your elderly loved one's doctor regarding any medications they're taking and come up with a solution for the matter.

3) General Restlessness

If your elderly loved one is generally restless or agitated, they may be more likely to fall out of bed. This is especially true if they're suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Try to create a calm and soothing environment for them to help reduce their restlessness.

4) Space Inefficienc

When a bedroom is cluttered or crammed, an elder may be more likely to fall out of bed. This is because they may have difficulty maneuvering around the room and could trip over objects. It's best to declutter and organize their bedroom to help reduce the risk of falls.

5) Bad Depth Perception

As we age, our depth perception can decrease. This can make it difficult for elders to know how far away the floor is. When they get out of bed, they may misjudge the distance and fall. If your loved one is struggling with depth perception, you may want to consider adding a bed rail to their bed.

6) Ineffective Lighting

Many elders have vision problems that make it difficult to see. When they get up to use the restroom in the middle of the night, they may be unable to see where they're going. This can increase their risk of falling. To help prevent this, make sure their bedroom is well-lit.

7) Lack Of Sleep

If your loved one isn't getting enough sleep, they may be more likely to fall out of bed. This is because they may feel groggy and dizzy when they get up. Try to help them get at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night to reduce the risk of falling out of bed.

Conclusion

Preventing falls among the elderly is important in order to maintain their safety and well-being. Some measures can be taken, including ensuring that the bed is at a safe height, installing bed rails, and providing appropriate assistance.

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