Author - Lisa Johnson, RN, BSN, M.Ed., CCP-HC
Falls among older individuals are much more common than we know. One in four individuals falls each year, many resulting in severe bone fractures and head injuries. In fact, falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries around the world and the primary reason for injury-related hospital admissions in those over sixty-five. (Harvey& Close, 2012)
Edelman & Ficorelli (2012) noted the following causes of falls related to the physical body:
1) Advanced years, 2) A recent fall, 3) Impaired gait, balance, flexibility, or vision,
4) Impaired cognitive ability, 5) Urinary and bowel incontinence, and 6) Medications that cause drowsiness or dizziness.
The good news is that falls can be prevented! Making some minor adjustments in your home can be life-saving. And don’t forget to speak to your healthcare provider about additional changes that can be made to improve your physical well-being, including a visit with an Occupational Therapist who can come to your home and make suggestions as to how to make your environment safer. Visit the American Occupational Therapy Association at www.aota.org for additional tips.
Fall Prevention Techniques:
1)Remove clutter and make sure walkways are open and well-lit
This would include books, magazines, boxes
2) Remove or secure rugs and electrical cords
Adding a nonskid backing to rugs and taping electrical cords can be very helpful
3) Clean up spills immediately
Water and grease are serious hazards
4) Wear rubber-soled tie shoes; avoid wearing loose-fitting or backless slippers
Shoes with support improve balance
5) Add a nightlight to bathrooms and hallways
Improved vision adds stability and balance for walking
6) Stay well hydrated
When the body is well-hydrated, muscles are stronger
7) Talk to your medical provider if medications are making you drowsy or dizzy
Alternative medications with fewer side effects may be available
8) Exercise to stay strong and flexible
Hip flexibility and core strength improve balance
9) Install or secure handrails on staircases and in hallways
Having something sturdy to grasp if you lose your footing can prevent a serious mishap
10) Consider subscribing to a medical alert alarm system
Knowing that you can reach someone if you are in need of help provides peace of mind
Para obtener información en español, visite este sitio:
https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/spanish/pdf/patient/checkforsafety-final-spanish-508.pdf
A number of additional resources can be found on the CDC Patient and Caregiver brochure page https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/patient.html
Edelman, M., & Ficorelli, C. T. (2012). Keeping older adults safe at home. Nursing. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.nurse.0000408481.20951.e8
Harvey, L., & Close, J. C. T. (2012). Traumatic brain injury in older adults: characteristics, causes and consequences. Injury-International Journal of the Care of the Injured, 43(11), 1821–1826. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.injury.2012.07.188
Chesapeake Health Advocates advocacy and consulting services do not constitute medical advice; these services are intended for reference and educational purposes only. These consulting and advocacy services are not an attempt to practice medicine or nursing or to provide specific medical advice, and Chesapeake Health Advocates’ services should not be used as a substitute for a visit with a health care provider, to make a diagnosis, or to replace or overrule a qualified health care provider’s judgment. Clients should not rely upon Chesapeake Health Advocates’ services for emergency medical treatment.
Copyright Lisa Johnson; Chesapeake Health Advocates 2023
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