Day: August 28, 2025

Falls are among the most common and serious safety concerns in elder care and assisted living settings. Understanding what qualifies as a fall—and how to prevent them—can make a significant difference in protecting your residents or loved ones.

What Is Considered a Fall?

Falls aren’t always dramatic or obvious. In fact, a fall is defined as any unintentional movement to the ground or a lower surface, such as a chair or bed. While falling from a standing position is the most recognized scenario, there are many less apparent situations that also qualify.

For example:

• Sliding out of a chair unintentionally

• Losing balance and being caught by someone before hitting the ground

Even near-falls—where the person doesn’t actually land on the floor—are still categorized as falls and should be taken seriously.

Why Falls Matter

Not every fall results in injury, but the risks can be significant. Common outcomes include:

• Cuts and skin tears

• Bruising

• Broken bones

• Head injuries or concussions

• A lingering fear of falling, which can reduce mobility and independence

• In severe cases, death

For seniors especially, a single fall can trigger a chain reaction of complications affecting physical health, emotional well-being, and overall quality of life.

Responding to a Fall

When a fall occurs, prompt recognition and appropriate action are key. Caregivers and staff should:

• Assess the situation carefully: Has the person been injured?

• Determine the cause: Was it a slippery floor, poor lighting, or a medical issue?

• Document the incident clearly and report it according to protocol

• Take preventive measures to reduce the risk of repeat incidents

Preventing Falls Before They Happen

While not all falls are avoidable, many can be prevented with proactive safety measures. Technology such as smart visual monitoring and fall detection systems can help staff intervene faster and reduce risks—without requiring extra manpower.

The goal is not only to respond when falls occur but to create a safer environment where the likelihood of falls is minimized from the start.

Preventing falls is a vital part of person-centered care and methods like the CARES® Approach helps caregivers respond with empathy, safety, and respect.

Caring for an older adult with dementia means staying alert to risks and knowing how to address them. Learn to spot early warning signs and respond effectively with the CARES® Approach—plus enjoy 10% OFF any training or certification program with promo code BeautifulAugust at checkout. Offer valid through Aug 31, 2025.

Pain is a deeply personal experience, and for people living with dementia, it can be especially challenging to communicate. As caregivers, loved ones, or healthcare professionals, it’s important to be attentive to the signs of discomfort—both verbal and nonverbal—and to take gentle, thoughtful steps to ease their suffering. This blog will guide you through recognizing pain symptoms in people with dementia and offer simple, compassionate ways to help them feel more comfortable.

Recognizing Pain When Words Fail

People with dementia may not always be able to say, “I’m hurting.” But their behavior often speaks volumes. Pain can show up in many subtle and not-so-subtle ways. Here are some signs to watch for:

Verbal Symptoms:

• Sighing, moaning, or groaning

• Crying or yelling

• New or repetitive swearing

• Saying “ouch” or other expressions of distress

Physical or Behavioral Symptoms:

• Grimacing or clenching teeth

• Guarding a specific body part

• Agitation, pacing, or wandering

• Increased confusion

• Resistance to care, even lashing out

• Rigid posture or slow movement

• Noisy breathing or changes in vital signs

• Withdrawal or depression

• Trouble sleeping

• Excessive sweating

• Noticeable changes in weight

It’s important to remember: these signs don’t always mean the person is in pain. But when you know them well, and you notice changes in how they behave, you’re in a better position to understand what they may be feeling.

Simple Ways to Comfort and Connect

Fortunately, easing discomfort doesn’t always require medication. In fact, small gestures of comfort—rooted in care and familiarity—can go a long way.

Here are a few ways you can help relieve pain and promote a sense of peace:

• Offer a warm (not too hot) cup of tea – A soothing routine and a comforting beverage can do wonders.

• Sing with them – Music taps into memory and emotion, often calming and uplifting at once.

• Comb their hair – A simple act of grooming can bring calm and connection.

• Play soft, familiar music – Music from their past can help them relax and feel safe.

• Move them gently to bed – If they seem restless or tired, help them get more comfortable.

• Offer a gentle hand massage – Touch can be reassuring, especially with warm hands and calm energy.

• Wrap them in a warm blanket – This helps both physically and emotionally, providing a sense of safety.

• Use scented lotions or oils – Calming scents like lavender can distract and soothe.

• Encourage light physical activity – A short walk or light stretching can release tension.

• Talk about happy memories – Reminiscing can reduce anxiety and shift focus from discomfort.

The Power of Personalization

No two people with dementia are the same. What comforts one may irritate another. That’s why it’s so important to think about who they are as a person. What did they enjoy before dementia? What soothes them now? What routines do they still recognize?

Whether it’s gardening, holding hands, listening to jazz, or watching birds out the window—let their preferences guide your actions. Knowing their history and personality is one of the most powerful tools you have in easing their pain.

Caring for someone with dementia calls for patience, meaningful connection, and the right techniques. As you continue learning how to recognize and ease pain, you can take your skills further with the CARES® Approach.

To help you on this journey, enjoy 10% OFF any training or certification program with promo code BeautifulAugust at checkout. Offer valid through Aug 31, 2025.

In dementia, not all pain relief needs to come from medication; it can also be eased through everyday activities. These approaches are often called non-drug or nonpharmacologic therapies, and they can bring real comfort and a deeper sense of connection to people with dementia. While these activities don’t slow down the progression, they can help someone feel calmer, more engaged, and easier to support.

Some helpful activities include:

• Listening to music or playing an instrument

• Gardening or spending time with nature

• Doing word games or puzzles

• Cooking or baking together

• Looking through photos or other familiar items

• Interacting with pets, birds, or other animals

• Offering gentle touch like a respectful light massage, a warm hug, holding hands, stroking the shoulder, or rubbing the back.

These types of nonpharmacologic therapies can be deeply meaningful. They don’t just provide pain relief without medication—they offer moments of connection, comfort, and joy. Every person is different, so it helps to notice what feels soothing or familiar to them.

Though not a substitute for medicine, nonpharmacologic therapies can make daily life more peaceful for both the individual and those offering care. This gentle form of non-medical dementia support reminds us that simple moments often bring the greatest ease—and that comfort for people with dementia can come in many heartfelt forms.

Caring for someone with dementia goes beyond medication—simple, familiar activities can bring real comfort. From music to shared moments, nonpharmacologic therapies help ease pain and create connection in everyday life.

To support your journey in providing this kind of care, we’re offering 10% OFF any training and certification program. Use promo code BeautifulAugust at checkout—valid through Aug 31, 2025.