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Slips, Trips and Falls in the Elderly and How to Prevent Them One of the major things elderly people worry about is falling. It can result in sprains, strains, broken bones, cuts, or other injuries. The risk of falling and fall-related problems rises with age and is a serious issue in homes and communities. Other than slips and trips, falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospital admissions for people over 65 years. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an elderly person faces a significantly increased risk of death due to falls as opposed a younger person does. The fear of falling among older people makes them limit their activities, which in turn: o Reduces their mobility o Impairs physical fitness, and o Increases the risk of falling
Importance of Preventing Slips, Trips and Falls in Older Adults Prevention of slips, trips and falls is important to enable older adults to maintain an active, independent and healthy lifestyle. According to the CDC, every year, 1 out of 3 adults falls, resulting in moderate disabilities. http://www.hqbk.com/
1-718-769-2521
http://www.hqbk.com/
1-718-769-2521
Causes of Falls Falls may occur due to: o o o o o o
Osteoporosis or bone weakening condition Lack of physical activity Impaired vision Medications overdose Reduced mobility Environmental hazards
Results of Unexpected Falls Physical disabilities and medical conditions that an older adult can face due to a fall include: •
•
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Moderate to severe injuries such as lacerations, hip fractures, or head traumas Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) that are an outcome of most fatal falls among older adults Fractures of the spine, hip, forearm, leg, ankle, pelvis, upper arm, and hand
Benefits of Fall Prevention Programs for the Elderly • • • •
Reduces the risk of falling Improves mobility and safety Increases confidence Enhances personal independence
Balance Programs http://www.hqbk.com/
1-718-769-2521
http://www.hqbk.com/
1-718-769-2521
Leading healthcare centers offer slip/fall prevention programs to help older adults maintain wellness and quality of life. A typical fall prevention program would include the following step-by-step process that includes: •
• • •
Assessment of the candidate’s physical and functional abilities to identify the risk of falling Identifying the diverse factors that lead to an increased risk Modifying the risk factors Measures to improve mobility and enhance independence
The fall risk assessment step involves a series of tests to identify both the physical and environmental factors that can contribute to the participant’s risk of falling. While physical factors relate to strength balance, walking speed, environmental factors relate to hazards in the home environment that can cause a person to slip, trip or fall. The exercises involved in the program are designed to improve strength, balance, walking speed, step length, cardiovascular fitness and flexibility. Participants are also provided with guidance on eliminating the risk factors in the home environment which can cause them to fall. These may include poor lighting, unstable seating, unsteady handrails, objects in pathways, wet floors, and much more. Posted by: HealthQuest http://www.hqbk.com/
http://www.hqbk.com/
1-718-769-2521