Blog - May 2018

Remember when you were a kid, riding your bike down the street, chasing after a fly ball, or trying to make it to the door so you wouldn’t be the “rotten egg?”  How many times did trip over your laces or stumble on an unseen rock?  If you’re anything like my kids, it happened quite a bit.  Chances are, though, that you got right back up and kept going as though nothing was wrong.  Unfortunately, many older adults also experience falls, and the consequences are generally much more severe.

It is estimated that one out of four adults over the age of sixty-five in the US will experience a fall each year, with the risk increasing further with age.  Over half of seniors’ injury related hospitalizations stem from falls.  Falls can break limbs, fracture hips, and cause major head trauma.  Falls lead to longer than average hospital stays and can require significant rehabilitation.  Falls can even be fatal.  Forty percent of injury related fatalities worldwide start with falls.  Even when they aren’t deadly, falls can lead to confusion, immobilization, depression, and/or dependence.  And, having fallen once, the risk for another incident only increases.

It is no surprise, then, that preventing falls in the first place is one of the top concerns of the aging community and their caregivers.  While some risk factors are simply beyond our control, there are steps that you can take to reduce the risk of falling.  Some of these tips are simple things that you and your family can implement yourselves.  Others may require the help of a professional.  Remember, too, that this is a generic guide meant to provide some general, actionable steps that most families can apply to their situation.  However, general advice is never a substitute for professional consultation.  If you or your loved ones are especially concerned about falls, it is strongly recommended that you contact a trained professional for a personal evaluation.  That said, here are a few basic tips to get you started.

1. Stay Active - Research indicates that a sedentary lifestyle can seriously reduce an individual’s mobility, which can also increase the risk for falls.  Go for walks, do yoga, or visit the gym a couple times a week.  I know you’ve been hearing all of that for years, but that’s how important it is.  Not only will this help prevent falls and limit concurrent injuries, it’s also good advice for a healthy lifestyle in general.
2. Know Your Medicine - Many falls in the senior population are the result of a misprescribed drug or unforeseen interaction.  Make sure to read all warning labels, and ask your pharmacist about possible interactions.  Use extra caution whenever you start a new medication or modify dosages of your current prescriptions.  Remember that alcohol and other nonprescription drugs can cause interactions/impairments as well.
3. Slow Down - Take the time to be aware of your environment.  Pay attention to where people and pets are and where they are going.  Scan pathways for obstructions before walking through.  Don’t rush off without your cane or walker.  It is better to take the few extra minutes needed to be careful than to spend weeks in the hospital recovering from a major injury.
4. Improve Visibility - Vision impairment is one of the most common negative side-effects of aging.  If you can’t see an obstacle, you can’t do anything to avoid it.  Lighting is probably the most effective way to improve visibility.  Adding nightlights and task lamps around the home can have a substantial impact.  Professionally installed lighting solutions can help substantially, and have the added benefit of improving a home’s value.  Additionally, using bright or reflective markings on stairs, ledges, and thresholds can help to highlight falling hazards.
5. Remove Obstructions Around the House - Look for any potential tripping hazards like throw rugs, electrical cords, or oversized furniture.  Keep walkways open and make sure doors can open all the way.  Make sure any transitions between floor types are smooth, level, and clearly visible.
6. Mobility Modifications - There are many products and services available that can improve the safety of your home.  Rails can be installed in bathrooms and bedrooms for bracing.  A second handrail can be hung on the stairs to allow for an extra point of contact.  Walk-in bathtubs and showers eliminate a difficult step up onto a slick, wet surface, and some even have a chair to make bathing easier.  Chairlifts and elevators can eliminate the need to walk up and down dangerous stairways.  Ramps can make it safer to enter and exit the home.  Even door knobs, cabinet hardware, and light switches can be made safer through modifications.