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November 2008 - Preventing Falls among Older Adults
When a youngster falls down, there may be a few tears and a hug from mom or dad.
When an older adult falls, the results can be devastating. Unintentional falls are a threat to the independence, health and lives of many older adults, especially women. The risk of being seriously injured in a fall increases with age.
“About 5 percent of older adults who fall will have a serious injury, such as a fracture or head injury. Half of those hospitalized with a hip fracture will never return home to independent living. Some will require extended care, such as in a long-term care facility, while others may die.”
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| “About 30 to 40 percent of adults over age 65 living in the community will experience at least one fall each year,” said Medical College of Wisconsin geriatrician Paul E. Hankwitz, MD, CMD, FACP. Dr. Hankwitz sees elderly adults who have complex healthcare needs in the Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin Senior Health Program.
Falls are one of the most common of the geriatric syndromes, which refers to a symptom or a complex of symptoms with high prevalence in geriatrics, resulting from multiple diseases and multiple risk factors that can affect one’s quality of life.
“Many underlying factors contribute to geriatric syndromes,” Dr. Hankwitz said. “This is the case for falls, which may be caused by certain medications, impaired vision, a physical disability, cognitive deficits (e.g., dementia), arthritis, balance problems, dizziness, slow reflexes, muscle weakness or other factors. A combination of factors causing a fall is not unusual.
“Most falls occur in the home, especially the bathroom and bedroom. About 30 percent are accidental, such as tripping on a rug or slipping on ice outside. Another 20 percent of falls are related to walking or balance problems, and 15 percent are related to dizziness. Other falls are related to confusion, a sudden blood pressure drop when standing (orthostatic hypotension) and vision problems,” Dr. Hankwitz said.
Prevention is KeyFalls are not an inevitable part of aging. There are many ways older adults can prevent falling. Tips to prevent falls inside the home include:
- Remove clutter you can trip over from stairs and areas where you walk.
- Remove or replace loose rugs or runners or attach non-slip backing.
- Keep phone and electrical cords out of pathways.
- Store frequently used items where you can reach them easily.
- Keep the house well-lit and use nightlights in the bedroom, bathroom and hallways.
- Add grab bars in the shower, tub and toilet areas.
- Use a non-slip mat in the shower or tub.
- Consider sitting on a bench or stool in the shower and using an elevated toilet seat.
- Use a cane, walker or other assistive device prescribed by your healthcare provider.
- Wear shoes with good support and non-slip soles.
- Review medication with your doctor or pharmacist — both prescription and over-the-counter. Some medicines or combinations of medicines can make you drowsy, light-headed or dizzy.
- Have your hearing (for balance concerns) and eyesight tested.
- Exercise regularly to improve balance, strength and flexibility.
- Have handrails and lights put in on all staircases.
- Consider a cell phone or emergency “life line” to quickly seek help if needed.
Outside the home:
- Have the edges of outdoor steps painted.
- Keep walkways clear and well-lit.
- Arrange to have someone clear snow and ice from entrances and sidewalks.
Be Active
In addition to making changes around the home, Dr. Hankwitz promotes exercise for older adults to help prevent falls and enhance overall health. Specific strength training and balance exercises have been shown to reduce the relative risk of a fall by about 30 percent.
“A significant portion of people who fall have progressive weakness in their legs,” Dr. Hankwitz said. “I stress regular exercise to my patients, which can help them in many ways. Not only can exercise prevent falls, it’s also good for a person’s heart, lungs and cognitive abilities. My philosophy is ‘if you rest, you rust.’ Exercise can do remarkable things.”
For more information about the Senior Health Program, call 414-805-0728 or 262-253-2450.
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