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According to the Center for Disease Control, “Falls are
often due to hazards that are easy to overlook but easy
to fix.”
There are many statistics and reasons for falls, but
given the fact that they are a leading cause of
injury-related visits to emergency rooms in the U.S.,
fall prevention and treatment has become a major concern
for elders, their family members, and medical personnel.
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CDC
statistics show that one in three people over the age of
65 fall each year, and “falls [account] for 70 percent
of accidental deaths in persons 75 years of age and
older.”
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians,
“Falls can be markers of poor health and declining
function, and they are often associated with significant
morbidity.”
These statistics are not meant to cause fear or panic,
but as a cautionary call for care and awareness. As we
age, our sight, hearing, and mobility tend to wane and
slow down. We don’t see as well, and may not observe
obstacles in our path. We may have balance issues, or
not hear something that can cause us to fall.
There
are many precautions that one can take in order to
prevent or lessen the possibility of a fall. These
include:
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Clothing and footwear — don’t wear flip-flops or
loose sandals; be sure no part of your clothing is
dragging on the ground, such as a robe belt; check
for untied shoe laces
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Reaching or placing items above your head — be sure
to not reach above what’s comfortable, and use a
sturdy step ladder or stool built specifically for
standing on
-
Picking up things — never bend over from the waist;
try to position the item so that you can pick it up
by steadying yourself on a stationary object, and
always bend at the knees
-
Sitting — don’t sit in chairs that are too low; try
to sit in chairs that have arms, so when you rise
out of the chair, you can steady yourself with the
arms of the chair
-
Getting in and out of the shower or tub — have grab
bars installed; use non-skid mats; use a tub seat if
necessary
-
Rugs — be sure they do not slide or have edges that
stick up; tape down edges and/or use a non-skid
liner beneath the rug to prevent it slipping
-
Stairs — always use handrails; use some bright tape
strips on stair edges for seeing the step better in
the dark
-
Clutter — keep walkway areas clear of things like
electrical cords, newspapers/magazines, shoes,
boxes, etc.
One
thing you can do is to get a home assessment from a
certified caregiver association or a home health agency.
Someone will come in and check for potential obstacles
that may cause a fall. Generally there is no charge for
these assessments.
If you do fall, there are many things to keep in mind:
-
Don’t panic — take a minute or two to evaluate if
you are hurt
-
Don’t overreact — overreaction can cause even more
injury
-
Don’t attempt to get up — use your emergency alarm
if you are wearing one or slide to the phone and
dial 911
-
If you are sure you’re not hurt, roll over on your
stomach and get on your hands and knees, find a
stationary object to help you pull yourself up
If
you have fallen, you should undergo a thorough
examination by your doctor. According to Dr. George
Fuller, a former White House physician, “Determining and
treating the underlying cause of a fall can return
patients to baseline function and reduce the risk of
recurrent falls. These measures can have a substantial
impact on the morbidity and mortality of falls. The
resultant gains in quality of life for patients and
their caregivers are significant.”
Overall, senior citizens have a greater chance of
falling and suffering injury, but there are many
preventative measures they can take to reduce fall
risks. Below are some safety checklist and prevention
resources. Above all, safety and awareness are key
measures in preventing falls, and knowing what to do if
a fall occurs.
Links:
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