When we were young, we must have fallen dozens of times. We stumbled while we were learning to walk, tripped when we were playing at home or in our school playground, or crashed while riding our beloved bikes. And even when we became older, the occasional slipping on wet floors or loose cords was still inevitable.
All these falls result in a swollen forehead, bruises, and sometimes dislocated joints or broken bones. But when our bodies mend and we become okay, we soon forget all these incidents.
For the elderly, however, falls are far more concerning; even a simple fall can have deadly consequences.
These falls can lead to severe injury and death in elderly individuals, according to a 2010 study published in The Journal of Trauma: Injury, Infection and Critical Care.
Severely injured
The study found that elderly adults—70 years or older—who experience ground-level falls are much more likely to be severely injured and less likely to survive their injuries compared to adults younger than 70. Moreover, elderly patients are three times as likely to die following a ground-level fall compared to their under-70 counterparts.
The possible occurrence of traumatic brain injuries (TBI), which can result in a period of unconsciousness, amnesia, disability, coma and even death are among those that need immediate attention after a fall.
Understanding the seriousness of the issue, St. Luke’s Medical Center has initiated a fall prevention program that reminds patients and visitors to “Please call, so you don’t fall.” Patients and outpatients are provided with a brochure that advises how to prevent a fall and factors that might increase one’s risk (taking medicines that make one feel dizzy, disoriented or unsteady; fasting, which is needed before undergoing diagnostic test or other procedure).
Reminders
Among the most important reminders are: looking for the nearest “call button” that anyone could press in case of emergency; asking for assistance from nursing staff as they are trained to operate equipment and facilities of the hospital; wearing of nonslip footwear; keeping items you use often in places that can be reached easily; and making sure there is adequate lighting in the area before proceeding so as to be warned of any potential fall hazards that may need to be removed or avoided.
On the other hand, there are other things that one could do to reduce the likelihood of a dangerous fall anywhere they may be located.
Elderly individuals and other age groups are encouraged to do the following:
1. Exercise regularly. Leg strength and balance are crucial, so exercises like walking and tai chi are very beneficial. Ask your doctor about other safe exercises that could strengthen bones, improve coordination, and increase endurance.
2. Test your vision. If you haven’t been to the optometrist lately, then it’s high time you get your eyes evaluated as blurry vision can cause stumbles and falls.
3. Check your medications. Ask your doctor to review your medications so that they can identify any prescription or over-the-counter drugs that cause dizziness or drowsiness. Find alternatives to these medications if possible.
4. Evaluate your environment before proceeding. Reducing clutter at home or in the work area makes a huge difference in making any place safe. Add grab bars or railings in the bathroom, beside the shower area and toilet. Add a nonskid bath mat in the bathroom area.
5. Choose your shoes wisely. Your shoes should be supportive, low-heeled and provide good friction. Avoid walking around your house in socks, stockings, or slippery slippers.
6. Turn on the lights. Avoid “feeling your way” through the dark, especially when getting up in the middle of the night, as this might cause you to trip over a loose electrical cord, a fallen object, or a sleeping pet.
7. Have your stairwell well-lighted. If you live in a house with several floors, make sure all stairwells are adequately lit.