Ladder Safety Rules For Your Aging Parent

[ photo by Maria Orlova ]

Ladder safety rules.

I have had several patients who have sustained injuries after falling from a ladder. The majority of these patients were older than 65. The loved ones, of those that were injured, that stopped by to visit or talk to me informed me that they were very upset their family member was still climbing ladders.

Many had never thought to have that discussion with their aging parent. We focus on things like whether or not they should continue driving or whether they should still be living alone, but we often miss this big topic. 

(Related blog posts: How To Tell Elderly Parent Not To Drive, From Independent Living To Senior Assisted Living Facility)

I have heard it said that no one should be climbing a ladder after the age of 65. If it were that simple, then yes. I would get on board with that statement. I know that is not always the case for people. Some people are just in better physical shape than others. For example, I know people in their seventies who are much safer on a ladder than people in their early fifties.

Ladders cause a significant number of serious injuries.

For the large majority of people over the age 65, climbing a ladder is not a safe option. The risk of falling and sustaining a fracture, spinal cord injury or brain injury is just too great. I have seen all of these types of injuries while working in rehabilitation hospitals after falls from ladders. Changing a light bulb or cleaning the gutters is just not worth it. 

(Related blog post: What Happens After A Spinal Cord Injury?)

So when should someone stop using a ladder? There are some absolutes. If someone has fallen without a known cause or fallen more than once from a cause that is known, don’t use a ladder. The chances of sustaining a serious injury when falling from a height taller than standing are significantly increased.

If someone has a known medical issue that causes weakness, dizziness, impaired balance or judgment issues, ladders are not an option. In these absolute cases, I recommend removing all of the ladders from the home and/or garage, especially if you are concerned your aging parent will go ahead and climb the ladder despite having been asked not to do so.

What if you are on the fence about whether your loved one is safe to climb a ladder? Beyond just you being undecided, sometimes your aging parent may not be convinced that he or she should no longer be climbing ladders. There are a few simple tests you can do with him or her to assess their strength and balance.

Tests to assess ladder safety.

Sometimes these can be eye openers for those who are more reluctant to stop climbing ladders. Have her squat up and down five times in a row without leaning forward and using the arms only for balance and not to pull herself up. This assesses the lower extremity strength and the ability to be able to carry herself both up and down in the ladder in a safe and controlled manner.

Next, have her go up the stairs two steps at a time with only light touch on a handrail. This will more closely simulate moving up a ladder and can help determine if she has the strength to do so.

If she is able to do the above two things, have her stand on two feet and then close her eyes. Is she able to stand up straight without any unsteadiness or need to put out her arms for balance? If not, then she should not be climbing a ladder.

If your loved one does not fit in the absolutely not category, but you still are not comfortable with him using a ladder, try to compromise. One good way is to use a 4-legged step ladder. These usually have a handle for holding onto and fold away nicely for storage. In addition, ask him to let you or another person know when he is going to be climbing on the ladder, and make sure to remind him to keep his phone and/or fall alert device on his body where it can be easily accessed should he fall.

(Related blog post: Medical Alert For Aging Parent)

The time to discuss ladder safety is now!

When should you have this conversation with your aging loved one? As soon as you can! Just as I advise on other often touchy topics, approach this one with gentleness. I think many people who have been handy all of their lives are reluctant to admit that some of the little mundane projects they have always done around the house are no longer safe. Approach the topic with solutions and workarounds already in mind to help your loved one still feel a sense of independence. 

Feeling overwhelmed with the process?

Afraid you may not make the right decision at the right time? This stage of life for you and your aging parent often brings more questions than answers. Reading information from a trusted source like me can help guide you in the process. However, if you still feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I am happy to help with a personalized plan for your unique situation.

© 2022 Jessica Kluetz, DO