The Home Accessibility Therapist LLC

Summer Fall Risks for Seniors: Keeping Seniors Safe while enjoying the summer fun.

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As the days get longer and temperatures rise, summer brings new opportunities for seniors to enjoy the outdoors and stay active. However, this season also introduces unique fall risks that can impact older adults’ safety and independence. At The Home Accessibility Therapist LLC, we are passionate about helping seniors enjoy every season safely. Let’s explore why summer can increase fall risks for seniors and how occupational therapy can help.

Why Are Falls More Common for Seniors in Summer?

While we often associate falls with icy winter conditions, summer presents its own set of hazards:

  • Heat and Dehydration: High temperatures can lead to dehydration, dizziness, and disorientation, all of which increase the risk of falling.
  • Outdoor Hazards: Seniors may spend more time outside, where uneven sidewalks, wet grass, mud, and garden tools can become tripping hazards.
  • Footwear Choices: Sandals and open-toed shoes, popular in summer, may not provide adequate support and can increase the risk of slips and trips.
  • Increased Activity: With more outdoor events and activities, seniors may engage in unfamiliar or strenuous movements, raising the likelihood of falls.
  • Storm Debris: Summer storms can scatter branches and debris, creating unexpected obstacles in yards and walkways.

Occupational Therapy Recommendations to Reduce Summer Fall Risk

Occupational therapists (OTs) are experts in fall prevention and home safety. Here are evidence-based strategies OTs recommend for seniors and their families:

1. Stay Hydrated and Cool

  • Encourage regular water intake, especially before and after outdoor activities.
  • Schedule walks or gardening in the cooler morning or evening hours.

2. Footwear and Clothing

  • Choose supportive, closed-toe shoes with non-slip soles.
  • Avoid flip-flops and loose sandals that can catch on uneven ground.

3. Home and Yard Safety

  • Remove clutter and tripping hazards both inside and outside the home.
  • Ensure walkways are clear of mud, wet grass, and storm debris.
  • Use non-slip mats in bathrooms and kitchens, and immediately clean up spills.

4. Environmental Modifications

  • Improve lighting indoors and outdoors, especially near entryways and steps.
  • Install grab bars in bathrooms and sturdy handrails on stairs.
  • Mark stair edges with bright tape for better visibility.

5. Adaptive Equipment and Assistive Devices

  • Use canes, walkers, or other mobility aids as recommended by an OT.
  • Consider adaptive devices such as shower chairs, raised toilet seats, and bed rails for added safety.

6. Stay Active with Purposeful Movement

  • Engage in strength and balance exercises tailored to individual abilities. Programs like Otago and SAIL have proven to reduce falls in seniors.
  • Choose activities that are meaningful and enjoyable, such as gardening, walking, or light household chores.

7. Regular Health Checks

  • Encourage your client to schedule annual vision exams and medication reviews, as changes in vision and medication side effects can increase fall risk.
  • Educate your clients on energy conservation and work simplification while enjoying outdoor summer activities. Include training on how to listen to their body and take the cues on when to adapt activities and or rest.

8. Personalized Home Assessments

  • Occupational therapists can conduct home safety evaluations to identify and address specific fall hazards.
  • OTs educate clients and caregivers on safe movement strategies and proper use of assistive devices.

The Role of Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists take a holistic, client-centered approach to fall prevention. By assessing each individual’s physical, cognitive, and environmental factors, OTs develop personalized plans that promote safety, independence, and confidence. Collaboration with families and caregivers ensures everyone is equipped to support safe, active living—all year round.

Final Thoughts

Summer should be a time of enjoyment and connection. With the right strategies and support, seniors can reduce their risk of falls and make the most of the season. Help your clients plan to be safe but have an enjoyable summer.

REFERENCES:

Ohio, Department of Aging, N.D. Fall prevention in every season. Retrieved from: https://aging.ohio.gov/care-and-living/health-and-safety/fall-prevention/falls-prevention-in-every-season

Homewatch Caregivers, 2017. Beware! Summer falls risks for seniors. Retrieved from: https://www.homewatchcaregivers.com/blog/prevention-safety-tips/beware-summer-falls-risks-for-seniors/

Percival, A., Cohen, D., 2024. Occupational therapist’s guide to fall prevention. RWJ Barnabas Health. Retrieved from: https://www.rwjbh.org/blog/2024/april/occupational-therapists-guide-to-fall-prevention/

Medical Guardian, 2018. Fall prevention: Enjoy your summer days without X-rays. Retreived from: https://www.medicalguardian.com/medical-alert-blog/senior-safety-/-fall-prevention-enjoy-your-summer-days-without-x-rays

NIH, N.D. Preventing falls at home: Room by room. Retrieved from: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/falls-and-falls-prevention/preventing-falls-home-room-room

Canadian Occupational Therapy Association, N.D. Falls Prevention. Retrieved from: https://caot.ca/document/7826/Falls%20Prevention.pdf

Elite Learning Colibri Healthcare, 2024. How can OTs help prevent falls in older adults? Retrieved from: https://www.elitelearning.com/resource-center/rehabilitation-therapy/occupational-therapy/how-can-ots-help-prevent-falls-in-older-adults/

Covell-Pierson, K. 2022. Assessing and preventing falls at home: A practical approach for the OT. Occupational Therapy.com Retrieved from: https://www.occupationaltherapy.com/articles/assessing-and-preventing-falls-at-5500

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