Although my strongest passion is enabling older adults to age in place within their homes, a close second is fall prevention. Falls are the number one reason older adults in our country are injured, both fatal and non-fatal. If that doesn’t convince you that this is a big deal, let’s look at the statistics:
“29 million falls, 3 million emergency department (ED) visits, 800,000 hospitalizations, and 28,000 deaths” (CDC, 2017)
This is each year. One in four of our older adults will fall, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition, these statistics don’t take into account that our baby Boomers are aging and unfortunately, these numbers will only rise. Here’s the real kicker though – they’re preventable. How, you ask? Exercise, medication management, regular eye exams, and (you knew it was coming) home modifications.
Risk factors associated with falls include:
- Hospitalizations
- Broken bones
- Head injury or traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Hip fractures
- Increased chance of falling again
- Increased fear of falling
The impact of falls, especially those which result in injury, are debilitating. Fear of falling, however, can be the most detrimental risk factor of all. An older adult who has experienced a fall is understandably more fearful that they will fall again. This can result in activity restriction, decreased community mobility, and isolation, causing weakness and decreased quality of life. This creates a snowball effect of fall after fall, slowly draining the older adult of their independence.
Prevention
Prevention begins with talking to your doctor. Request a fall risk evaluation and a review of your medications to identify prescriptions which may cause you to feel dizzy or drowsy. You can also seek out a fall risk and home safety assessment by a healthcare professional (i.e. occupational or physical therapist). This includes assessment of a variety of things such as balance, strength, mobility, vision, and the environment. The simplest of risk factors, such as footwear, can be identified and resolved through collaboration of the professional and the client and the result is priceless – your safety, independence, and ability to remain in your home and community.
Resources:
Important facts about falls (2017). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/adultfalls.html
Take a stand on falls (2017). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/features/older-adult-falls/index.html