How to keep an elderly person from falling out of a chair?

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related emergency room visits and deaths in older adults. Caregivers and family members often worry about how to keep an elderly person from falling out of a chair, but proactive measures can significantly reduce this risk, improving safety and independence.

Quick Summary

Ensuring an elderly person stays secure in their chair involves a multi-faceted approach, focusing on proper seating, assistive devices, and regular monitoring to address the root causes of sliding or instability.

Key Points

• Proper Seating: Choose a chair with the correct seat depth and height, or consider a riser-recliner or tilt-in-space chair for maximum safety.

• Strategic Accessories: Use non-slip cushions, lateral supports, and proper footplates to improve stability and prevent sliding.

• Environmental Modifications: Ensure the area around the chair is clutter-free and well-lit, and install grab bars for added support.

• Assist with Transfers: Implement safe transfer techniques, assisting the person to the edge of the chair before standing to reduce fall risk.

• Regular Health Checks: Consult with a healthcare provider to assess medication side effects and address underlying health issues that contribute to instability.

• Consider Professional Assessment: For high-risk individuals, an occupational therapist can provide a specialized seating assessment and recommendations.

Understanding the Causes of Chair Falls

Preventing falls requires understanding why they happen. For older adults, several factors can increase the risk of sliding or falling out of a chair, including:

• Muscle Weakness and Decreased Mobility: As we age, muscle strength and control can decline, making it difficult to maintain an upright position or to safely stand and sit.
• Cognitive Impairment: Conditions like dementia or Alzheimer's can affect judgment and body awareness, leading to a person attempting to stand or move without proper support.
• Poor Posture and Positioning: An improperly fitted chair can cause a person to slouch or lean, increasing the likelihood of sliding forward. A seat that is too deep or low can also be problematic.
• Balance Issues: Vertigo, inner ear problems, or medication side effects can lead to dizziness and instability, especially during transfers.
• Medication Side Effects: Some medications can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or affect coordination, which can increase fall risk.

Choosing the Right Chair and Accessories

Selecting appropriate seating is one of the most effective strategies for preventing chair falls.

Specialty and Adaptive Seating

Not all chairs are created equal when it comes to senior safety. Specialty chairs offer features that can make a significant difference:

• Riser Recliners: These chairs are a lifeline for many seniors with mobility issues. They gently lift and tilt forward, assisting the user in moving from a seated to a standing position and back again. They can also recline for comfort and rest.
• Tilt-in-Space Chairs: This feature allows the entire seat to tilt backward, shifting the person's center of gravity and making it nearly impossible to slide forward. It's an excellent solution for those who cannot maintain an upright position.
• Chairs with Adjustable Features: Chairs with adjustable backrests, seat depths, and footrests can be customized to fit the individual's body perfectly, ensuring proper support and posture.

Essential Accessories

Even with a suitable chair, accessories can enhance safety and comfort.

• Non-Slip Cushions: Placing a non-slip cushion or pad on the seat can increase friction, preventing a person from sliding forward. This is particularly helpful on leather or slick vinyl chairs.
• Positioning Belts: While not to be used as a restraint, a positioning belt can be used during transfers or for specific postural support to stabilize the pelvis. It should only be used after a full assessment and not for long-term restraint.
• Lateral Supports: These are cushions or supports placed on the sides of the torso to keep the person in a midline position, preventing them from falling sideways out of the chair.
• Footplates: Adjustable or fixed footplates can provide a stable platform for the feet, which helps anchor the person in the chair and prevents them from pushing themselves out.

Environmental and Behavioral Strategies

Beyond the chair itself, other factors in the environment and daily routine can reduce fall risk.

Home Safety Assessment

• Clear Walkways: Ensure the area around the chair is free of clutter, loose cords, and throw rugs to prevent tripping.
• Proper Lighting: Good lighting is essential, especially at night. Consider motion-activated lights or easy-to-reach switches near the chair.
• Grab Bars and Handrails: Installing grab bars on nearby walls can provide additional support when transferring from the chair.

Daily Routine and Habits

• Encourage Physical Activity: Gentle exercises, such as chair yoga or walking, can help maintain muscle strength and balance, reducing fall risk over time.
• Regular Monitoring: For individuals with cognitive impairments, consistent supervision is necessary to prevent them from attempting unsafe transfers or movements. In some cases, a chair alarm can alert caregivers to movement.
• Proper Transfer Techniques: Caregivers should be trained on safe transfer techniques. Guiding the person to the front of the chair, ensuring their feet are placed firmly on the floor, and providing support during the stand are key steps.

Seating Comparison Table

Feature	Standard Armchair	Riser Recliner	Tilt-in-Space Chair
Best For	General seating, short periods	Individuals needing assistance to stand/sit	Those with poor trunk control, high fall risk
Fall Prevention	Minimal inherent features	Excellent (lift function assists transfers)	Superior (tilts to prevent sliding)
Mobility	Limited	High (motorized lift)	High (can be used for transfers and repositioning)
Comfort	Varies by model	High (often plush, adjustable)	High (customizable support)
Cost	Low to moderate	Moderate to high	High
Key Benefit	Versatile, but less secure for high-risk users	Promotes independence and safe transfers	Maximum security and posture support

When to Seek Professional Help

If an elderly person is frequently sliding or falling, or if their condition is worsening, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional or an occupational therapist. They can perform a comprehensive assessment to determine the root cause of the falls and recommend specialized equipment or therapy. For instance, an occupational therapist can provide a seating assessment to ensure the individual's chair is perfectly fitted to their needs.

A Final Word on Empathy and Dignity

When implementing these solutions, it is important to do so with empathy and respect for the individual's dignity. Talk to them about the changes and explain the purpose behind the new chair or equipment. Involving them in the decision-making process can help them feel more in control and comfortable with the changes, leading to better compliance and a safer outcome. For more information on creating a safe environment, visit the National Council on Aging website.

Addressing the challenge of preventing falls from a chair is a critical aspect of senior care. By combining the right equipment with smart environmental and behavioral strategies, caregivers can provide a safe, secure, and comfortable space for their loved ones to live with greater independence and peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of chair is best to prevent an elderly person from falling out?

A chair with a "tilt-in-space" feature is often the best option, as it shifts the person's center of gravity backward, making it nearly impossible to slide forward. Riser-recliner chairs are also excellent as they assist with transfers to and from a standing position.

Are seat belts recommended for keeping an elderly person in their chair?

Seat belts should only be used as a positioning aid during transfers and should never be used as a physical restraint. Using them as a long-term restraint is undignified and can cause injury. Proper seating and environmental adjustments are the safest approach.

How can I stop my parent with dementia from falling out of their chair?

For individuals with dementia, a chair with a deep, cocooning feel, high armrests, and a tilt-in-space feature can increase feelings of security and reduce agitation. Regular supervision is also vital, and motion alarms can alert caregivers to unsafe movement. An occupational therapist can provide specialized recommendations.

What's the best way to get an elderly person with weak legs out of a chair safely?

Use a riser-recliner chair, which gently lifts and tilts to help them stand. If a special chair isn't available, have them slide to the front of a firm chair, place their feet flat and slightly back, and push off the armrests for support while you provide assistance.

What are some simple, low-cost solutions to prevent falls from a chair?

For a low-cost solution, use a non-slip pad on the chair seat to prevent sliding. Ensure the person's feet are flat on the floor or a firm footrest. Place the chair on a rug or non-slip mat to prevent it from sliding away during transfers.

How do lateral supports prevent falls from a chair?

Lateral supports are side bolsters or cushions that keep the person positioned centrally in the chair, preventing them from leaning too far to one side and falling sideways. They are especially helpful for those with poor trunk control or those who tend to doze off in their chair.

Can exercise help prevent falls from a chair?

Yes, exercise can help by improving muscle strength, balance, and coordination, which are key for safe sitting and standing. Simple seated exercises like leg raises or chair yoga can be beneficial, but consult a doctor for a safe exercise plan.