If you have ever had a fall you know the frightening feeling of helplessness that overwhelms you.

Falls are the leading cause of death from injury in the United States. The risk of falls is greater for women than men and the risk increases with aging.

Twenty-five percent of people over the age of seventy five limit their activities due to their fear of falling and not being able to get up off the floor! This results in a decreased quality of life.

One third of those who are over sixty five experience falls. Two thirds of those having a fall will have another fall within six months. One half of those over eighty- five experience falls and one in ten of these results in hip fractures. One quarter of those with hip fractures will require life long care and one quarter will die within six months.

In the nursing home setting, fifty percent of the elderly experience falls each year.

There is no place that is fall free- not home, out in public or even in a nursing home. The only thing to do, in order to protect the elderly is make all the environmental changes suggested , monitor medications, and be in touch with the doctor regarding health conditions.

Causes of Falls

1) Health Conditions

As we age we acquire chronic health conditions along the way which increase the risk of falls.

-Elevated blood pressure and heart problems may lead to dizziness. This often occurs when changing positions from lying to sitting or sitting to standing. The elderly often get up quickly to get to the bathroom.

-Lung Disease
-Arthritis
-Parkinson's Disease
-Stroke
-Depression
-Osteoporosis
-Impaired Vision-Cataracts and Glaucoma
-Altered depth perception, visual acuity,and peripheral

vision

2) Physical Conditions

-Cognitive Impairment
-Sensory Impairment
-Reduced Reaction Time
-Strength Deficits in hips,knee, and ankle
-Decrease Bone Density
-Deconditioning
-Poor muscle tone
-Decrease strength
-Loss of muscle mass and body fat.
-Reduced Grip Strength
-Loss of Flexibility

3) Medications

-AntiDepressants
-Sedatives
-Anti Psychotic
All these may contribute to the risk of falls by reducing mental alertness, balance and gait.
-Many other medications cause dizziness or drowsiness.

4) Environmental Conditions

-Tripping over rugs
-Tripping over things on the floor including pets.
-Lack of grab bars-many elders use towel racks for support.

Prevention

1) Learn the side effects of all medications
2) Talk with the doctor at each visit with the goal of stopping

any unnecessary medications
3) Mount grab bars around the walls of the shower or tub
4) Mount grab bars on both sides of the toilet or, obtain an over the toilet commode with arms
5) Use non skid tub mats
6) Place night lights in bedroom and bathroom
7) Mount grab bars in hallways.
8) Make sure there is a light switch at both the top and bottom of the stairs.
9) Keep stairs free of clutter
10)Mount hand rails on both sides of stairs, indoor and outdoors
11)Adjust height of the bed for ease of getting in / out
12)Clutter free walk ways.
13)Avoid throw rugs
14)Move frequently used items from high cabinets to lower cabinets
15)Use a step stool with a tall handle
16)Do not use chairs with casters
17)Limit or avoid alcohol
18)Develop an exercise plan with the doctor and a physical therapist. Check community services for senior exercise groups. Get out and walk daily

All of these suggestions will dramatically reduce the risk of falls. Keeping the body in the best physical condition improves balance, strength, muscle ability,and flexibility.

When you elders experience any fall, be sure they are seen by the doctor. Often, a fall is often a symptom of a medical condition such as urinary tract infection or heart problem.

Dedicated To Eldercare
Nurse Alice
http://www.AskNurseAlice.com
http://ww.AskNurseAlice.com/blog