Seniors And Aging. What’s The Best Way to Prevent Falls?
Remember the famous line from the medical alert company commercial, “Help! I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up!” Some of us thought we were too young to worry about this, but we may now be at the age when we must start taking a potential fall more seriously. As we age, the risk of severe injury increases, which can affect our ability to remain independent.
One of my oldest and dearest patients, who has been entirely independent and is in her 80s, had a recent fall. She was getting ready for bed when she lost her balance and fell onto her left hip on the bathroom tile. She lives alone. She had no cell phone near her and could not call her daughter for help. She would have laid helpless for hours if she had not had her medical device button on her to get immediate assistance.
The first responders arrived, transported her to the hospital, and notified her family of the fall. She needed surgery to repair the severe fracture and weeks of hospitalization and rehabilitation. The medical staff mentioned she may not be able to walk again and suggested a skilled nursing facility or at-home nursing care. While this accident may not have been avoidable, what are some ways you can reduce this risk?
Let’s look at some common conditions that should be treated as risk factors for falls and addressed.
Home Hazards:
Identify tripping hazards and keep floors clear of clutter, loose rugs, and electrical cords.
Installing handrails and grab bars can help maintain balance and stability in critical areas such as stairways, bathrooms, and near beds.
Ensure adequate lighting, especially in bathrooms and bedrooms.
When walkers or canes are used, be sure they are within reach at all times, especially at bedtime.
Health Conditions:
Several conditions can contribute to falls, such as incontinence, dementia, and blood pressure issues, all of which can result in confusion or dizziness. Be aware of these conditions and bring them to the attention of a healthcare provider.
Address vision changes, check for balance issues or difficulty walking, and new medication interactions by getting routine health care visits.
Practice Pearls:
Get up slowly, and sit or lie down immediately if you feel weak.
Check into a medical alert system, especially for those seniors who live alone.
Use a walker or cane correctly, and don’t try to carry too much.
Stay physically active and incorporate balance and strength training exercises into a daily routine.
If you fall, assess whether you’re injured and can get up independently. If not, seek help immediately.
Preventing falls is crucial, and we should all strive to raise awareness and reduce their associated risks. Proper diet and fluid intake are also vital for good nutrition and hydration. Falls can be prevented if we take the time to evaluate and change any home or health hazards.