Fall Risks You Can Do Something About
Feb 21, 2013
IS FALLING JUST A PART OF GROWING OLDER?
Falls are a serious health issue for seniors. Each year a third of all people older than 65 experience a fall serious enough to require medical attention. Fall cause hip fracture and serious head injuries, and are a leading reason seniors move to a nursing home or other supportive living environment.Are fall inevitable? Do all seniors fall? It is true that falls are more common as we grow older, but there are proactive steps we can take to lower the risk. Here are four things to do:Inspect your home. Did you know that most fall injuries take place right in the senior's own home?For seniors who are dealing with weakness, visual impairment or confusion, the home can be filled with booby traps. On a regular basis, inspect the home for fall hazards. Remove loose throw rugs and clutter. Repair hazardous flooring. Add safety features such as bathroom grab bars, night lights, extra handrails and contrasting paint on stairs.
Manage health conditions.
Most people know that there's a connection between visual impairment and falling. They are also aware that the after-effects of stroke make it more likely that a senior will fall. But did you know that heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, depression and many other common conditions also raise the risk? This is yet another reason to be sure seniors follow their healthcare provider's advice and have regular checkups.Manage medications. The medicines we take help us control our medical conditions-yet ironically, these medications also can raise the risk of falling. Some prescription and nonprescription drugs cause drowsiness, dizziness and sleep disturbances, all of which make it more likely we will fall.Have the doctor or pharmacist review all medications, and if you notice side effects, be sure to report them.
Increase physical activity. One of the most damaging myths about aging is that seniors should spend most of their time sitting down. The exact opposite is true! Physical inactivity causes a loss of muscle mass that increases the risk of falls. Seniors should talk to their healthcare provider about an exercise program that includes aerobic exercise to build endurance; weight-bearing exercise to increase muscle strength; stretching exercises to increase flexibility; and balance- improving activities such as tai chi that improve our sense of body placement. (Note: Canes, walkers and other assistive mobility devices should be professionally fitted and the senior should be trained in their proper use)
In home care can be an important ingredient of a seniors's fall protection strategy. Read the February 2013 issue of the Caring Right at Home online newsletter at (www.caringnews.com) to learn how professional home caregivers are lowering the risk for clients.
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Falls are a serious health issue for seniors. Each year a third of all people older than 65 experience a fall serious enough to require medical attention. Fall cause hip fracture and serious head injuries, and are a leading reason seniors move to a nursing home or other supportive living environment.Are fall inevitable? Do all seniors fall? It is true that falls are more common as we grow older, but there are proactive steps we can take to lower the risk. Here are four things to do:Inspect your home. Did you know that most fall injuries take place right in the senior's own home?For seniors who are dealing with weakness, visual impairment or confusion, the home can be filled with booby traps. On a regular basis, inspect the home for fall hazards. Remove loose throw rugs and clutter. Repair hazardous flooring. Add safety features such as bathroom grab bars, night lights, extra handrails and contrasting paint on stairs.
Manage health conditions.
Most people know that there's a connection between visual impairment and falling. They are also aware that the after-effects of stroke make it more likely that a senior will fall. But did you know that heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, depression and many other common conditions also raise the risk? This is yet another reason to be sure seniors follow their healthcare provider's advice and have regular checkups.Manage medications. The medicines we take help us control our medical conditions-yet ironically, these medications also can raise the risk of falling. Some prescription and nonprescription drugs cause drowsiness, dizziness and sleep disturbances, all of which make it more likely we will fall.Have the doctor or pharmacist review all medications, and if you notice side effects, be sure to report them.
Increase physical activity. One of the most damaging myths about aging is that seniors should spend most of their time sitting down. The exact opposite is true! Physical inactivity causes a loss of muscle mass that increases the risk of falls. Seniors should talk to their healthcare provider about an exercise program that includes aerobic exercise to build endurance; weight-bearing exercise to increase muscle strength; stretching exercises to increase flexibility; and balance- improving activities such as tai chi that improve our sense of body placement. (Note: Canes, walkers and other assistive mobility devices should be professionally fitted and the senior should be trained in their proper use)
In home care can be an important ingredient of a seniors's fall protection strategy. Read the February 2013 issue of the Caring Right at Home online newsletter at (www.caringnews.com) to learn how professional home caregivers are lowering the risk for clients.
