Fall Protection for Elderly People
Fall-related injuries among older adults is an acute threat, not only impacting individuals directly but also leading to increased morbidity and mortality rates, decreased quality of life and financial losses for organizations. Unfortunately, many falls can be avoided and it's vital that we understand what factors contribute to them so we can take the necessary precautions against further incidents.
Identification of patients' fall risk factors is an essential component of care planning. A comprehensive assessment can identify those most at risk and enable targeted intervention strategies. Such assessments can be included as part of overall evaluations or even automated systems which capture this data as part of daily reports or handovers.
Recovering from a fall can be a major predictor of injury risk, making the ability of family or friends to assist after falling an important factor. If someone needs assistance getting up, bracing themselves on furniture or walls and calling 911 might be necessary to assist them in doing so.
Other measures to help avoid falls include maintaining a healthy diet, having regular eye exams and becoming physically active. Walking, water exercises and Tai Chi (a type of martial arts exercise characterized by slow and graceful dance-like movements) can all help strengthen balance, strength and flexibility while providing regular sources of calcium and vitamin D.
Medication that increases the risk for falling must be closely monitored, including over-the-counter and supplements. A person should notify their health care provider of all medications they are taking - this includes over-the-counter and supplements - including dizziness-causing ones like diuretics or fatigue relievers that could increase dizziness or fatigue levels and possibly raise fall risks. gps tracker for dementia patients Your provider may advise weaning off certain drugs such as sedatives and antihistamines that have been proven to increase such risks.
Some individuals having difficulty maintaining their balance can benefit from using an assistive device like a cane or walker to assist them. A cane may provide just enough support, while the additional stability provided by a walker makes for greater safety. Many state Assistive Technology programs offer assistance in discovering, trying out, financing or trying out assistive technologies designed to reduce falls at home; for more information on community programs that aim to prevent falls visit the Centers for Disease Control website or contact your Area Agency on Aging in your region.
