Prevention:
Anyone can have a fall, but older people are more vulnerable and likely to fall, especially if they have a long-term health condition.
Falls are a common, but often overlooked, cause of injury. Around 50 percent of adults over 75 will have at least one fall a year.
Most falls do not result in serious injury. But there’s always a risk that a fall could lead to broken bones, and it can cause the person to lose confidence, become withdrawn, and feel as if they have lost their independence.
DNP, APRN, FNP-C, FAANP
Founding Dean and Professor, Emory & Henry College, School of Nursing
What should I do if I fall?
If you Fall, you need to first assess your own condition. Start with your toes/feet/ankles, see if you can move them. Then test our your legs, knees if they can flex and work you way up your body by testing each part pain and movement. Slowly move your head from side to side, your arms, shoulders, etc. Once you have done a self-assessment, you may be ready to attempt to get yourself up.
Roll onto your hands and knees and look for a stable piece of furniture, such as a chair or bed. Hold on to the furniture with both hands to support yourself and, when you feel ready, slowly get up. Sit down and rest for a while before carrying on with your daily activities.
If you’re hurt or unable to get up, try to get someone’s attention by calling out for help, banging on the wall or floor, or using your personal alarm or security system (if you have one). If possible, crawl to a telephone and dial 911 to ask for an ambulance.
Try to reach something warm, such as a blanket or dressing gown, to put over you, particularly your legs and feet.
Stay as comfortable as possible and try to change your position at least once every half an hour or so.
National Grange Junior & Youth Director
Alamo Grange #1446, TX
You may want to get a personal alarm system so that you can signal for help in the event of a fall. These alarm systems can go on your wrist or around your neck and can be worn in the shower and bath. You can get an Apple/Android watch which can detect that you have fallen, and it can automatically contact 911.
An alternative would be to always keep a mobile phone in your pocket so you can phone for help after having a fall.
If you’re living with or caring for an elderly person, be sure to have them do a self-body check before you assist them to rise.
What causes a fall?
The natural ageing process means that they may have balance problems and muscle weakness older people have an increased risk of having a fall.
Older people are more likely to have a fall because:
- Vision loss.
- Long-term health condition, such as heart disease, dementia, or low blood pressure (hypotension), which can lead to dizziness and a brief loss of consciousness.
A fall is also more likely to happen if:
- Floors are wet, such as in the bathroom, or recently polished.
- The lighting in the room is dim.
- Rugs or carpets are not properly secured.
- The person reaches for storage areas, such as a cupboard, or is going downstairs.
- The person is rushing to get to the toilet during the day or at night.
Another common cause of falls, particularly among older men, is falling from a ladder while carrying out home maintenance work.
In older people, falls can be particularly problematic because osteoporosis is a fairly common problem. It can develop in both men and women, particularly in people who smoke, drink excessive amounts of alcohol, take steroid medicine, or have a family history of hip fractures.
But older women are most at risk because osteoporosis is often associated with the hormonal changes that occur during the menopause.
Another common cause of falls, particularly among older men, is falling from a ladder while carrying out home maintenance work.
In older people, falls can be particularly problematic because osteoporosis is a fairly common problem. It can develop in both men and women, particularly in people who smoke, drink excessive amounts of alcohol, take steroid medicine, or have a family history of hip fractures.
But older women are most at risk because osteoporosis is often associated with the hormonal changes that occur during the menopause.
Preventing a falL
There are several simple measures that can help prevent falls in the home.
Here a few tips to prevent falls.
- 1. Use non-slip mats in the bathroom.
- 2. Mop up spills to prevent wet, slippery floors.
- 3. Ensure all rooms, passages and staircases are well lit.
- 4. Remove clutter.
- 5. Get help lifting or moving items that are heavy or difficult to lift.
- 6. Install automatic motion lights.
- 7. Place handrails in your shower, bath, and toilet area.
- 8. Remove throw rugs.
- 9. Ask for help from others i.e., neighbor, relative, etc.
Fellow, American Academy of Family Physicians, DipABLM, Certified
Lifestyle Medicine Physician, East Hawaii Acute and Rural Health Clinic
Medical Director, Hilo Hawaii Medical Center
Healthcare professionals take falls in older people very seriously because of the huge consequences they can have for the health and wellbeing of this group.
As a result, there’s a great deal of help and support available for older people, and it’s worth asking a General Practitioner (GP)/Physician Assistant/Nurse about the various options.
The MD/PA/Nurse may carry out some simple tests to check your balance. They can also review any medicines you’re taking in case their side effects may increase your risk of falling.
The GP may also recommend:
- Looking after your eyes with a sight test if you’re having problems with your vision, even if you already wear glasses.
- Having an electrocardiogram (ECG) and checking your blood pressure while lying and standing.
- Requesting a home hazard assessment, where a healthcare professional visits your home to identify potential hazards and give advice.
- Doing exercises to improve your strength and balance.
Contact
Need additional assistance? Contact us:
National Contact: Joan C. Smith
Phone: (571) 662-7220 | Email
This program was partially funded through a Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) Eugene Washington PCORI Engagement Award (EADI #30051). The statements in this website are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI), its Board of Governors or Methodology Committee.