How to Protect Older Adults From Falling

Caregivers need to be aware that falls among older adults can be traced to a number of causes, such as a new illness or a new medication, reports Forbes . Falls often are symptoms of an underlying general weakness, which can include urinary tract infections, pneumonia, heart disease, strokes, dehydration, or anemia. With medications also considered a likely culprit for falls, caregivers should learn whether the victim has just changed or added a drug. Sometimes a new pharmaceutical can cause these problems by itself, or it can interact with a medication the individual was already on. Over-the-counter medications and supplements can be just as problematic as prescription drugs. Medications such as Ativan, Valium, Ambien, Lunesta, or Seroquel can lead to falls, of course. But more common products such as antihistamines or medications for an overactive bladder or nausea also can be associated with greater fall risk. Finally, low blood pressure is often a cause of falls, which means drugs to control high blood pressure may raise the risk.