How to Help the Elderly Prevent Falls

Injury caused by falling can be a life-changing even for the elderly. 90% of the 300,000 hip fractures treated annually are caused by falls. Nearly 1,000 hip fractures happen every day, on average.Even older people who appear to be strong and well can fall.

Of the patients with such hip injuries, 50% make a full recovery. Then about 20% die in that first year following hip fractures and 25% will go into a nursing home for at least one year after the injury. As a caregiver, you can take preventative measures to prevent falling or injuries from falling.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Participate in an exercise program for strength, agility, balance, and coordination.

2. If possible, participate in regular, moderate exercise such as walking.
   Weight-bearing exercises are best for making bones stronger and more dense.

3. Keep medications up-to-date. Go over prescriptions with your physician to watch for medications that, when combined, can cause dizziness or loss of balance.

4. Handrails should be installed for the bathroom, along stairways, and steps outside

5. The elderly should wear shoes with non-skid soles and low heels.

6. Check furniture placement so that there is a clear path.

7. Remove rugs or at least make sure they have non-skid backing.

8. Thoroughly clean up all spills from floor and take special care after floors have been wet mopped.

9. Provide adequate lighting for all areas including night lights for bedrooms and bathrooms.

10. Provide support when walking, especially when stepping up curbs and uneven pavement.

Tips & Warnings

• In addition to these, the American Academy of Family Physicians recommends these additional tips to prevent falls among the elderly:
• - If your doctor wants you to use a cane or a walker, learn how to use it-and then use it all the time.
• - When you get up from bed during the night or in the morning, sit on the side of the bed for a minute or two before you stand up. This will give your blood pressure time to adjust, and you will feel less dizzy.
• - If you need to go to the bathroom often at night, consider using a bedside commode.
• Being watchful of potential dangers can prevent accidents and minimize injuries. This is important for continued good health as well as mobility.Most falls happen in and around the home, so take a good look at all areas for potential hazards.

[wordster]

on 11/6/2009 Thank you for writing this. This is an issue with my 82 year old mother right now, so appreciate your tips.