The Keys to Preventing Falls Among Seniors

KNOW THE FACTS:

  • The CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, ranks falling the leading  cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries.
  • Most fractures among older adults are caused by falls. The most common are fractures of the spine, hip, forearm, leg, ankle, pelvis, upper arm, and hand.
  • Many people who fall, even if they are not injured, develop a fear of falling. This fear may cause them to limit their activities, which leads to reduced mobility and loss of physical fitness, and in turn increases their actual risk of falling.
  • People age 75 and older who fall are four to five times more likely than those age 65 to 74 to be admitted to a long-term care facility for a year or longer.
    Source: http://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/adultfalls.html

3 STEPS TO PREVENTION:

Step One: ENSURE HOME SAFETY

  • Have a home safety assessment performed
  • Remove tripping hazards such as rugs and furniture that obstructs the main walkway. Install grab bars in key areas like stairs and in the bathroom.
  • Ensure furniture is supportive with arm rests to assist when standing up.

Step Two: HAVE MEDICATIONS REVIEWED

  • Review your medications with your doctor or pharmacist on a regular basis.
  • If you have multiple doctors, share your medication list with all of your practitioners.
  • If you struggle with taking your medications regularly,a medication management service may be priceless in preventing fall risks and hospitalizations due to improper use.

Step Three: STAY UP ON YOUR SCREENINGS

  • Vision, hearing and balance screenings can be regularly performed by your doctor.These basic screenings can detect small changes in your health that, when corrected, will lower your fall risk.
  • The following three screenings can drastically prevent falls by measuring your health and overall safety when living independently: Memory Screening, Regular vital sign checks, & a fall risk assessment.

BAYSHORE’S ROLE:

    • Weekly Medication Management Program to prevent errors/ misuse and ensure medications are continually being reviewed for side effects. See our medication management service.
    • Preventative screenings and regular health checks offered in the comfort of home for independent seniors looking to ensure their independence. Check out our program for independent seniors
    • Hands-on care, companionship and safety supervision  for seniors requiring assistance with daily activities of living. Learn about our home care services.
    • Community outreach events to educate seniors and their loved ones about fall prevention. Read about our Community Outreach Specialist , on this blog!