Senior Health - How to Guide to Fall Prevention

By Anna Hazard

While accidental falling is the leading cause of injury (both fatal and nonfatal) amongst elderly adults with the risk of falling and the severity of the injuries incurred increasing with each added decade in age, unlike other related health risks there are many different steps that can be taken to help prevent such falls.

Statistics

• 1 in 3 Americans over the age of 65 end up falling every year, most within their own homes.
• 1 in 5 falls causes a serious injury such as hip fractures , broken bones, concussion or other brain related trauma
• 90% of all hip fractures are caused by falling
• Every 13 seconds an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall related injury (over 2.5 million per year)
• 700,000 people are hospitalized in the USA each year for fall related injuries (250,000 for hip fractures alone with 90%+ of all such fractures coming from felling)
• $35 Billion+ a year is spent on the medical cost of treating injuries incurred from falls.
  

Prevention - Health

• As the failing of eyesight that naturally occurs with aging makes edges, obstacles, and depth perception harder to perceive make certain that your eyesight (as well as hearing) is checked every year with any eyeglasses or hearing aid prescriptions kept up to date
• Have a physical check-up with your family physician every year include your doctor's risk assessment for falling which should include discussions of the below topics.
• Have any foot, leg, or mobility condition properly treated
• Keep in mind or otherwise avoid certain types of medications, both prescription & over the counter, whose side effects increase chances of falling.
  • These include medications such as sedatives & antidepressants who have dizziness, lightheadedness, dehydration, drowsiness, or fatigue as side effects
• Keep alcohol intake to a minimum & drink plenty of water to stave off dehydration.
• Make certain that your Vitamin D & Calcium are at appropriate levels.

Prevention - Physical Activity & Exercise

• People naturally lose ease of movement as they age, which is compounded by a further lack of activity (causing weakened limbs & legs). This can cause a vicious cycle where the fear of falling leads to a fear of movement which may cause falling which leads to a greater increase in the chance of falling.
• Your doctor, physical therapist, or health provider can recommend exercises that improve strength, balance, co-ordination, and flexibility such as tai chi. Or check out the fall prevention programs at the National Council on Aging.
  

Prevention - Clothing

• Wear sensible shoes with non-skid sole traction. Avoid walking in heels, ill-fitting or floppy shoes, stockings or socks without rubber traction treads, slippery or slick soled shoes, or sneakers with untied shoe laces.
• If necessary keep well maintained & properly fitted canes and walkers within easy reach and practice using them at first with your doctor or therapist.
  

Prevention - Falling Hazards in the Home

• Keep cords, plugs, and other clutter that can be tripped over away from doorways or in the path of foot traffic
• Keep a clear path between rooms with tables, stands, and other furniture clear of high traffic areas.
• Keep often used items within easy reach and away from high shelves so that a step stool or ladder is not needed to reach them.
• Secure loose rugs, carpeting, or uneven floorboards and have carpeting that clearly delineates the edges of each step in stairways. Smooth down any door sills/levels/edges that are uneven or otherwise present tripping hazards.
• Immediately clean up spilled liquids & always use non skid floor wax.
• Use non-slip floor mats in the bathroom, both inside and directly outside the shower
• Use beds & chairs that are easy to get out of, neither too high nor too low, and with non-slippery sheets or upholstery.
  

Prevention - Let There Be Light

• Keep your home brightly lit to avoid tripping over what can't be seen. This includes...
  
• Always having a clear path to your lamps and light switches and always turning them on before using the stairs or entering a room.
  
• Automatic nightlights in the bathroom, hallways, and bedroom in case of midnight movement
• Lamps or light switches within easy reach of the bed or your favorite chair. Automated clap-on lights are another option.
  
• Store flashlights in easy to access places for power outages or install emergency power failure lamps

Prevention - Accessories for Accessibility

• Hand rails should be installed on either side of all stairways. For those with particularly severe mobility issues with steps consider having a stair lift chair installed.
  
• Consider having grab bars installed for the bathroom, as well as a raised toiler seat with armrests , and a sturdy shower seat with handheld nozzle.
• Handrails can be installed in any other places needed for ease of movement