What are some statistics on senior citizens falling?
- One-third of all seniors fall every year.
- 20,000 will die as a result of the fall every year.
- Fall risks can be reduced.
- Fall prevention programs work.
Who is at risk for falling? Everyone, but especially those who are...
- over 80 years of age.
- female
- prone to osteoporosis or other physical problems
- dependent on ambulatory assistive devices (wheelchairs, canes, etc.)
- taking certain prescriptive medications, especially when used with alcohol.
- known to have a history of falling.
Fall Prevention:
Hearing: Get your hearing check regularly!
- if you use hearing aids, wear them and have them cleaned and checked regularly.
- consider use of hearing aids with t-coils and looping your home, or hearing aid technologies that provide connectivity to telephones, televisions and other devices via Bluetooth or similar circuitry.
Vision: Get your vision checked regularly!
- if you need glasses, wear them regularly.
- ensure adequate lighting when walking, both inside and outside of the home. If you go out and will be returning after dark, be sure to leave a light on. Do not try to save on electricity by not using good lighting. Remember, the costs of injuries due to falls from inadequate lighting far outweigh the savings on electricity that might be had from not using lights! Carry a small flashlight or keychain light so you can see to unlock doors.
Bones: Keep your bones strong!
- Have your bone density monitored.
- Take calcium supplements if your phsyician recommends them.
- exercise regularly
- avoid getting up too quickly to answer the door or telephone, especially after sitting for long periods when leg muscles can go to sleep or cramp.
Hazards: Safeguard your home!
- remove throw rugs, clutter and other obstacles from your floors
- ensure adequate lighting both inside and outside, especially on porches and walkways.
- install handles and railing, especially in bathrooms and on porches
- be sure to check for pets or children under foot
- avoid wet spots both inside and outside, especially rain and ice
- make sure to wear shoes with sturdy, flat soles that make good contact with floors and other surfaces; avoid use of slippers and flip-flops.
- always use a walker or wheelchair if appropriate; canes may help, but be aware that they mainly only prevent falls in one direction - walker are superior.
- get and use a First Alert or similar system for use in emergencies
- make sure your neighbors, physicians and audiologist shave a list of family or other contact persons in case of emergencies.
Medications: Ask your physician or pharmacist about drugs causing dizziness!
- know which of your medications (singularly or in combination) cause dizziness or vertigo, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), hearing loss and/or cognitive impairment
- investigate alternative medication with your health-care professional(s)
- avoid using alcohol with medications
- keep an updated list of your medication with you
- do not self-medicate
Sedentary Lifestyles: Stay Active!
- join an exercise or swim class
- walk every day
- discuss any peripheral neuropathies (numbness and tingling in feet, legs or arms) with your physician
- maintain a good sense of humor, be with other people, laugh a lot, and have fun
- take extra care driving, avoid driving at night or in inclement weather, and know when it is time to pass over the keys and give up driving
Be sure to contact your primary care physician if you have any sudden onset of dizziness, unsteadiness or lack of mobility.
If you should have an accident, be sure to report it and any injuries immediately to your family and your physician.
Do not get in the habit of falling and not telling anyone!
No comments:
Post a Comment