Are You at Risk for Falling
\nThe Savvy Senior
\nBy Robert Goodman, MSW
\nThis article is dedicated to the memory of a close friend who fell and as result of complications from her diabetes died earlier in the summer. Falls are a major issue for older adults and can be prevented. Most falls occur at home and can lead to fractures, trauma, and death.
\n1.\u00a0 Over 13 million older adults fall every year;\u00a01 of 3 if over 65, and 1 of 2 if\u00a0over 80 years old.
\n\u00a02.\u00a0 2.2 million older adults are treated in the ER for falls.
\n\u00a03.\u00a0 40% of nursing home admissions are fall related.\u00a0
\n4. In 2009, about 20,400 older adults died from unintentional fall injuries.
\nThere are a number of causes of falls among the elderly. They include:
\nLack of physical activity and muscle weakness
\nBalance and gait problems
\nVisual impairment
\nMobility impairment
\nCognitive impairment
\nDrop in blood pressure when standing up
\nFear of falling
\nAlcohol abuse
\nInappropriate footwear
\nEnvironmental hazards. One third of all falls in the elderly population involve hazards at home. Factors include: poor lighting, loose carpets and lack of safety equipment.
\nChronic health problems that can increase fall risk significantly\u00a0are:
\nArthritis
\nObesity
\nFunctional limitations impairing mobility (Diseases such as Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, COPD, Pain, etc.)
\nMultiple medications
\nHypertension
\nDiabetes
\nFalls can be prevented by taking care of yourself and making changed in your environment. The following suggestions will help reduce the chances of falling\/
\nBe physically active and exercise regularly.
\nImprove the lighting in your home, Keep an easy to reach lamp near your bed.
\nMove items to make them easier to reach. Arrange furniture to allow for clear pathways.
\nGet rid of loose (throw) rugs, especially if you have a visual disability. Be sure rugs are securely fastened to the floor.
\nInstall grab bars in the bathroom (shower and near toilet)
\nClear clutter from floors
\nAvoid slippery floors
\nBe careful carrying heavy or bulky things up or down stairs
\nHave Your Medicines Reviewed
\nLimit the amount of alcohol you drink. Even a small amount can affect your balance and reflexes.
\nChoose Safe Footwear
\nBe careful while walking and talking or texting on a cell phone.
\nHave Your Blood Pressure Checked When Lying and Standing
\nGet a Vision Check-Up
\nWear your eyeglasses so you can see your surroundings clearly.
\nCheck your medications: Some medicines\u2014or combinations of medicines\u2014 can have side effects like dizziness or drowsiness. This can make falls more likely. Having a doctor or pharmacist review all your medications can help reduce the chance of risky side effects and drug interactions.
\nIf you fall, or are afraid of falling, be sure to discuss the fall with your doctor, even if you aren’t hurt. Many underlying causes of falls can be treated or corrected.
\nThere are a number of devices that can help prevent falls, but one must remember to use them. They include: canes, walkers, reachers, and emergency medical alerts.
\nPeople living alone should have a medical alert to contact the fire\/rescue in the event of a fall. Friends and neighbors should check on their neighbors who live alone and are isolated. See accompanying article on medical alerts.
\n(Sources: http:\/\/nihseniorhealth.gov\/fall, www.cdc.gov\/features\/fallrisk, Pam Hapke (Easy Living Program))<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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