FALL PREVENTION IN SENIORS

The fear of falling and not being able to get up off the floor hamper regular life-activities of twenty-five percent of people aged over seventy-five years. As a result, quality of life tends to decline.

 

Statistics observe that every year, fifty percent of the elderly experience falls in nursing homes.

 

 Some Causes of fall

 

1) Factors related to health

 

The risk of fall tends to increase with aging and deterioration in health conditions.

 

-Dizziness may occur when blood pressure rises or there is a heart problem. A change in positions from lying to sitting or standing can make you feel dizzy. For example, while going to the bathroom an elderly has a tendency to get up quickly.

 

-Impaired Vision-Cataracts and Glaucoma
-Depression
-Stroke

 

-Altered depth perception, visual acuity, and peripheral vision

 

-Parkinson's Disease
-Lung Disease
-Osteoporosis

 

-Arthritis

 

2) Factors related to Physical Conditions

 

- Losing Grip Strength
-Impaired Sensory ability

 

- Poor muscle tone
-Weaknesses in hips, knee, and ankle
- Loss of Flexibility
-Decreased strength
- Reduced Reaction Time
-De-conditioning
-Loss of muscle mass and body fat.
- Cognitive Impairment
- Decreased Bone Density

 

3) Influence of Medicines

 

- Sedatives
-Anti Psychotic

 

- Anti-Depressants

The above factors may contribute to the reduction in gait, balance and mental alertness, followed by a growing tendency to fall.

 

- Drowsiness or dizziness may also occur due to some other medicines.

 

4) Conditions affecting environment

 

-Rugs can be a common cause for tripping
-Often the elderly trips over pets or things lying on the floor.

 

-Absence of support - grab bars or towel racks

 

Some Preventive Measures

 

1) Know the side effects of medicines
2) Stop taking unnecessary medication and consult a doctor whenever required
3) Place grab bars on the walls around the shower and tub

 

4) Place grab bars on either side of the toilet
5) Buy tub-mats of the non-skid kind for bathrooms
6) Keep your night lights on in bedrooms and toilets
7) Place grab bars in staircases and hallways.
8) Have light switches on both sides of the staircases.
9) Ensure litter-free stairs
10) Place hand-rails indoor, outdoors and on both sides of stairs

 

11) Fix the bed at a right height for getting in / out of that easily
12) Keep the walkways free of clutter.
13) Do not use throw-rugs
14) Place frequently used items on lower cabinets
15) Keep a step stool with a tall handle for use
16) Avoid using chairs with casters
17) Consume less alcohol

 

18) Consult a doctor or a physical therapist to chalk out an exercise plan. Participate in senior citizens’ community services. Go for a walk everyday.

 

If you follow the above suggestions, the risk of falls may dramatically reduce. An improved balance, body strength, muscle ability and flexibility can be obtained by keeping your body in the best physical condition.