Preventing Falls In The Older Adult

By Sharon Rowe

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), in 2005 433,000 adults 65 years and older were hospitalized due to injuries related to nonfatal falls. 15,800 people in this same age group died as a result of injuries sustained from falls. These numbers are staggering and they have grown significantly in the last decade.

With many older adults living alone today and with an increase of older adults in our population; this due primarily to the baby boomers ( people born from 1946 to 1964) the number of older people in our population is expected to make a dramatical increase over the next several years.

In 2005, 35.9 million people in the United States were aged 65 years or older. This was an increase from 35.0 million older adults counted in 1990. What do all these numbers mean? It simply means we're living longer and these numbers will continue to grow. We are finding more and more older adults who are self sufficient and able to not only live alone, but to take care of themselves. Individuals who are able to take care of themselves but need help with medications or meal preparation live in assisted living facilties, so for the most part they too live alone and manage their own care.

In this day and age we are more conscious of what we eat. We exercise more and are generally taking better care of ourselves so we're living longer. Couple that with the baby boomers and it equals a larger older population. This in turn can mean an increase in the probability of fall related injuries. The sad thing is once an older adult falls and they fracture or break their hip, it immobilizes them which could cause a downward spiral in their health. Basically they are stripped of their independence because they are no longer able to care for themselves. In some cases their zest for life disappears and you find them just waiting to die.

There are so many precautions we can take to safeguard the home and prevent falls. Perhaps you have a parent living with you, or you're an older adult living alone. Here are some things you can do to safeguard your home.

Use non skid floor mats.

Wear non skid slippers.

Watch for wiring on the floor and accidental spills.

Be mindful of objects on the floor.

Use a night light.

Have your vision checked regularly.

Have a physician to review your medications.

Keep your walker or cane within reach.

Start exercising for strength and balance.

Install grab bars in the shower and near toilet.

Use a shower seat if you're unable to stand for long periods.

Avoid stepping stools. Try to keep everything within reach.

Have family or friends to check on you regularly.

There have been reports of older adults who have fallen in the home and have not been found sometimes for days. Please know your neighbor and adhere to the last suggestion. Have friends and relatives to check on you regularly. If a fall does occur and you fracture or break your hip you basically become immobile. If you are someone who has an older adult with you in the home monitor all falls for causes. Look for any recent changes in medication or behaviour. Report these findings to a physician.

REFERENCES:

CDC - Falls among the older adult: An overview http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/factsheets/adultfalls.htm

Demographics of the older adult. http://www.adha.org/CE_courses/course11/demographics.htm

Sharon Rowe has been a registered nurse for over ten years. She presently operates her own online health form business. She noticed during her years in nursing the growing need for a development of health forms to be used primarily for in home use. Visit her at http://www.yourmedform.com