Chair for fall prevention for the elderly offers numerous benefits
- 29. June 2023
- Reading time: 13 min.
Table of Contents
Why is fall prevention important for older adults?
Preventing falls among the elderly is crucial due to dizziness, balance problems, and weakened muscle strength, which are among the most common causes of falls in this age group. The VELA chair is a specially designed chair that aims to prevent falls among the elderly.
The Risk of Falling Increases Significantly with Age
In fact, a study conducted in the Municipality of Copenhagen revealed that one-third of residents aged 65 and above experience at least one fall per year1. Globally, this applies to more than one in four individuals2. The same Copenhagen study emphasises that once you have experienced a fall, the risk of falling again increases even further1.
Not only does the risk of falling increase with age, but the consequences of a fall can also be much more severe compared to when you were younger.
Tragically, falls are the second-leading cause of death worldwide, following traffic accidents. Each year, an estimated 684,000 people die due to falls globally, with a significant number occurring among older adults over the age of 603.
Consequences of falls:
When an elderly person falls, it can result in fractured bones, such as hip or thigh fractures. Unfortunately, this often leads to severe consequences:
- Lengthy hospital stays
- Prolonged rehabilitation processes
- Surgical procedures and potential reoperation
- Requirement for aids during hospitalisation and at home
- Need for care, such as home care, in everyday life
Unfortunately, it is also often the case that the consequences of a fall can lead to poorer mobility and result in another fall. Moreover, the fear of falling again can lead to the avoidance of specific situations and activities in an attempt to prevent future falls.
This significantly diminishes the quality of life for the elderly. Among other things, effective fall prevention aims to counteract these negative impacts.
Kaj Henning Was Always Afraid of Falling
Kaj Henning, an elderly gentleman, has experienced reduced muscle strength in his legs due to his age. This has made him feel insecure about losing balance and falling, and his fears are justified.
Kaj Henning has faced falls in his home before and is concerned that another fall could result in a fracture. He has also realised from past experiences that he cannot get up on his own if he falls again.
Due to his insecurity and fear, Kaj Henning has refrained from performing many practical tasks at home, relying on his wife, Lene, to handle most of the household chores. However, the extra workload on Lene does not compare to the worry she carries for her husband. Whenever she hears an unexpected sound, she often thinks:
What’s happening now? Has he fallen?
However, the situation at Lene and Kaj Henning’s home changed when Kaj Henning was provided with a VELA Chair. The chair enables him to be more active in his daily life. He can now help more around the house, and the chair provides excellent reassurance to both Kaj Henning and Lene, as Kaj Henning is not at as high a risk of falling. He feels secure when he sets the table, loads the dishwasher, or picks things up from the floor.
As a result, Kaj Henning has become less dependent on help from Lene.
The burden of worry that Lene had unconsciously carried for Kaj Henning has now been lifted.
Lene expresses her relief, saying:
Now, there’s less for me to be anxious about.
Kaj Henning particularly appreciates the electric height adjustment on the chair because, as he explains, “There’s a difference between sitting and walking.” Therefore, depending on his activity, he makes many small adjustments to his sitting height throughout the day to ensure comfort.
Lene notices a significant change in Kaj Henning’s activity level and his sense of independence. She remarks that he has become much more active and hopes this positive effect extends to his edematous legs.
The VELA chair has helped Kaj Henning be more active and independent at home, ultimately improving his quality of life, not just for himself but also for his wife, Lene.
Whether it’s called quality of life, I don’t know, but it feels like it… Actually.
What is Fear of Falling?
Fear of Falling is a psychological consequence of fall accidents, which can also occur in older individuals without a history of falls3.
Fear of Falling has significant implications for individuals’ physical and cognitive functions.
Fear of Falling can result in a loss of independence and increased dependency on care.
Fear of Falling greatly influences the older person’s active and social life, thus impacting their overall quality of life.
Fear of Falling Is a Prevalent Problem
After experiencing his first fall, Kaj Henning began feeling insecure about engaging in certain activities that he perceived to have a higher risk of falling again. As a result, Kaj Henning refrained from performing some tasks at home, despite being capable of doing them prior to the fall.
This restriction in activity can lead to the deterioration of both physical and cognitive functions, ultimately resulting in a loss of independence and an increased need for care. Studies have shown that such deterioration is considered crucial in terms of experiencing reduced quality of life3. In fact, a 2018 review conducted by Schoene et al. demonstrated that the fear of falling has significant implications for the quality of life among older adults, and interestingly, it has a greater impact than the falls themselves5.
Initially, the fear of falling among older adults was thought to be limited to those who had already experienced falls, commonly referred to as “post-fall syndrome.”
However, it has been discovered that the fear of falling is not exclusive to older individuals with prior falling incidents but is also prevalent among older adults with no history of falls3.
The Impact of Fear on Social Life
Fear can have a profound impact on the social and active individualds and their loved ones, as is the case with Kaj Henning and Lene. Therefore, it is important not only to focus on physical capabilities but also to incorporate the psychological perspective into the rehabilitation process and preventive mindset.
Kaj Henning and Lene’s story is not unique, and our experience shows that there are many elderly individuals in a similar situation to theirs. This is why fall prevention should be approached from a physical, contextual, and psychological standpoint.
How a VELA Chair Assists in Preventing Falls and the Apprehension of Falling
The prevention of falls among the elderly is crucial due to their significant physical and psychological consequences. This is where VELA’s office chair with a brake and an electric lift can be a valuable aid. It offers a sense of security and stability, both physically and mentally, effectively reducing the fear of falling.
Research has demonstrated the positive impact of environmental modifications, often termed “environmental adaptations,” on fall prevention. These adaptations involve adjusting the home environment to create optimal conditions for engaging in daily activities4. According to this research, the use of assistive devices is an effective way for individuals like Kaj Henning to enhance their ability to perform various activities at home.
One effective method of adapting your home environment is by incorporating a VELA chair. This fall prevention chair enables easy and secure movement between different rooms while remaining seated. Moreover, it is suitable for use in all areas of the house and requires minimal space.
Security, stability, and a better quality of life
There are many benefits to preventing falls among the elderly. Using a VELA chair helps reduce accidents, hospitalisations, and after-effects. Therefore, we recommend getting a VELA chair before an accident happens. You can use it when you are feeling tired to prevent yourself from falling.
A fall prevention chair for the elderly offers security when your strength fails while also providing a stable foundation to continue your usual activities, helping you maintain a good quality of life even if you have a fear of falling.
The VELA Chair Has Transformed Kaj Henning’s Daily Life
After receiving a VELA chair, he has gained the confidence to perform a wider range of tasks at home.
It not only relieves his wife but also provides beneficial exercise for Kaj Henning. The VELA chair assists him in areas where he is weakest, eliminating his fear of the consequences of his physical limitations. For instance, it compensates for Kaj Henning’s reduced leg muscle strength and lack of balance. Consequently, he can now work at the kitchen table and cabinets at a higher level, as well as perform tasks closer to the floor, such as emptying and loading the dishwasher.
His fear of falling, which he used to associate with these strength- and balance-demanding activities, has been eliminated thanks to the VELA chair.
The VELA chair actively contributes to enhancing Kaj Henning’s level of activity by reducing his feeling of insecurity. Increased activity can help strengthen Kaj Henning’s leg muscles and alleviate swelling. For Kaj Henning, the VELA chair has made it possible to perform activities that were previously impossible for him, boosting his confidence and independence. These two factors have had a significant impact on his overall quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do older adults fall?
Dizziness, balance problems, and weakened muscle strength are among the most common causes associated with falls in older adults. A VELA chair supports the individual’s movements, helping to prevent dizziness and imbalance. The chair bears most of the body weight, thereby reducing the strain on the individual’s muscles.
What exercises can help with fall prevention?
One exercise that can help with fall prevention is practising rising from a seated position while being supported by a VELA chair. The chair provides support and stability, allowing you to rise in a slow and controlled movement without putting excessive strain on your lower body. This exercise can help reduce dizziness and improve your ability to maintain balance.