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Falls in Elderly
Why, & What You Can Do
Falls in elderly are the main reason for accidents
for those age 65 and over
And this elder care health issue can abruptly changing one’s quality of life. We’re all familiar with a medical alert system for getting help, and basic prevention methods for falls. But elderly falling has still continued to be one of the most persistent elderly problems. And expensive. It’s been estimated that one in three American seniors over age 65 falls. Of those, at least 30% require treatment. Statistics to verify this are there, says the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and National Council on Aging, but not exactly accurate, since many falls in the elderly are not reported. Nor do our elderly loved ones always go to the doctor or hospital. A common and serious result of falls is hip fracture. An estimated 25% percentage of hip fractures result in death. More than half are sent to nursing homes, sometimes permanently. Several professionals at local nursing homes that we interviewed did agree that one of the biggest reasons for admission is due to falls. Falls happen more frequently to women. The CDC has estimated that deaths caused by falls in American elderly have increased by 39% from 1999 to 2005. It also estimates about $19 billion are spent annually for treatment of these incidents and resulting elderly problems. Since most of this is paid by Medicare, it has become a major issue for the system. If falls in elderly continue at the same rate, it is projected that by 2020 costs will be over $43 billion. These are sobering findings. There is good news, though. Much has been done to discover the cause of, and therefore prevent falls in elderly. Studies by the CDC and various medical researchers indicate the main causes of falling. Let’s take a look at them.
Causes of Falling
Physical Issues
Normal aging causes many physical elderly issues that contribute to falling. Many of these, however, can be controlled. Some of the most common physical issues causing falls in elderly are:- Vision and hearing impairment
- Dementia
- Problems with feet
- Arthritis
- Imbalance, dizziness, irregular gait
- Problems transferring (to and from bed, chair, toilet, etc.)
- Not using a cane or walker when needed
- Epilepsy and other disorders of central nervous system
- Osteoporosis; weak bone mass
- Muscle weakness
- Chronic health conditions (incontinence, heart problems, high blood pressure)
- Medications, including over-the-counter
Environmental Issues
The environment is a huge factor in causing falls in elderly, yet most of them could have be eliminated ahead of time; or at least later. So it is very important to check your home or that of your loved one. Here are some of the most common:- Poor lighting
- Pets getting in the way
- Uneven floors, patios, sidewalks
- Rugs and carpet; smooth slippery floors, such as some vinyl and wooden floors
- Poor lighting (both indoor and outdoor)
- Objects out of place; clutter around
- Extension cords
- Broken or unstable furniture
- Lack of railings and/or grip bars
- Weather conditions such as snow, ice, even rain
Prevention
Some of the prevention measures for falls in elderly are self-evident. Like cleaning up clutter and extension cords, getting rid of scatter rugs, and correcting lighting. Here are a few more suggestions:
Physical Issues
- Have a yearly eye exam for cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy if that is a risk
- Take necessary measures to make sure vision is as clear as possible
- Also have a hearing exam – good hearing helps with noticing presence of pets and other hazards to prevent falls in elderly
- Check for osteoporosis and talk to the doctor about a calcium-rich diet (dairy and goat products, broccoli, greens, fish, nuts). See our page on
Elderly Nutrition
and
Nutrition Food Values
- Check, too, about taking supplements such as calcium and Vitamin D which helps absorb calcium; plus other recommended remedies
- Review all medications with the doctor to determine if any pose balance risks and if anything can be adjusted
- Take time when transferring, reaching, walking, and with general movements. Taking time and not rushing (including to the phone!) can help prevent falls in elderly
- Talk to the doctor about using a cane or walker
- Exercise regularly – walking (at least 15 minutes) is an ideal exercise, but working with weights is also excellent, as it helps strengthen both bones and muscles
- Have feet checked regularly and wear supportive shoes as needed, with non-skid soles such as rubber
Indoor- Check the home for proper lighting; nightlights and motion-sensitive lights are also helpful
- Assess the home for adequate light switches (especially around stairs) and outlets – have it updated as needed
- Make sure all lights are easy to turn off and on, especially by the bed
- Check phone cords and electric cords and make sure they are out of the way’ consider retractable cord holders as necessary. Use as many cordless and remote control electronics as possible
- Get rid of scatter rugs. Consider replacing carpet if it is too thick or easy to trip on
- Consider whether glass and breakables, including dishes, should be removed and replaced
- Assess the kitchen area and rearrange it to commonly used items are easy to reach. Avoid having to use a step stool for those with unsteady balance.
- Make sure flooring is as even as possible
- Have railings by outside steps and inside staircases; even on the side of beds
- Also place colored tape or strips on stairs so they are clearly marked
- Consider special railings or “lifts” made to assist in getting out of bed or up from a chair
- A lift chair is another option and helps prevent falls in elderly when rising
- Install grip bars at toilets and showers
- A frame installed around the toilet is optimal for those with real balance or transfer issues
- Add a shower bench to sit while showering, along with a chair in the bathroom to sit on after bathing and while dressing
- Make sure the shower floor is skid-free (with decals or a mat)
We’ve found a hand-held shower head on a hose- Check all furniture for stability
- Use high-contrast tones and colors with furniture, rugs, flooring, stairs
Outdoors- Have ice melt or cat litter is on hand during winter to toss onto icy or snowy areas
- Make sure shoveling is being taken care of on a consistent basis
- Check decks, patios, steps and sidewalks; correct any uneven areas
- Make sure low-hanging branches and overgrown shrubbery and plants are removed
- Clear patios and decks from unnecessary objects and clutter; simplify
- Make sure all patio furniture is strong and stable; avoid glass and breakables as much as possible
- Check that doors, including patio doors, going in and out of the home open and close easily
- Access in and out should also be easy too – install railings and perhaps consider a ramp-type access instead of steps, as needed
- All railings around the patio and deck should be strong and supportive
Falls in elderly can be decreased and controlled a great deal. This may seem like a long list, but it is largely common sense. You will have your own ideas to add. The bottom line is, the more cleared out, simplified and clearly marked the environment is, the better. And coupled with plenty of sturdy and supportive areas to grab and hold on to -- around furniture, stairs, and transfer areas particularly. If these basic measures are taken, plus awareness about changing physical health and needs, then a great deal of the risk factors for falls in elderly will be eliminated.Most falls in elderly, although they may require treatment, do not result in death. Severity of injury varies. But those who have had a fall are frequently afraid of it happening again in the future. And statistically, it does happen again. But sometimes elderly become, then, overly cautious and dependent out of fear, with lessened quality of life. If we use common sense, awareness, and moderation, many of these elderly problems can be prevented.
Also make sure to read:
Signs of Elderly Problems
-- There are telling signs of elderly problems. Problems that are often hidden. It is crucial to learn to tell the signs for the health and safety of loved ones.
Care of Elderly - Don't Be Overwhelmed
-- Care of elderly can seem overwhelming sometimes, as well as rewarding. Learn the specifics on what to do.
Care For Elderly In Home - Tips and Ideas
-- Care for elderly in home takes a lot of planning, whether a loved one is staying in their own home or moving in with someone else (perhaps you). Here are some great tips and ideas to consider, including having some fun!
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