As we age, falling and the injuries that can result from a fall become a greater cause for concern. Broken bones in an older adult may demand a longer healing period and can lead to a lengthy hospital stay or admission to a skilled nursing facility. Not all falls can be prevented, but understanding the underlying causes can help determine if you're at risk for a fall.
Osteoporosis is a common condition that reduces the bone density which contributes to increasing the chance for broken bones during a fall. In fact, sometimes osteoporosis can cause the break to occur, such as the hip, during normal ambulation which then results in a fall.
Other contributing factors may include impaired vision, environmental conditions and some prescriptions and over the counter medications.
Medications for heart, seizures, blood pressure, diabetes and anxiety, as well as cold medication, diuretics and laxatives have been linked to an increased risk of falling. The risk increases if you taking four or more of these at the same time.
Problems with balance can occur at any age, and it's good advice to consult with your doctor if any symptoms occur. Physical signs that would contribute to an increased risk for falls are frequent tripping, shuffling gait, becoming lightheaded when going from sitting to standing position, "furniture walking" - using objects in the house to improve steadiness and maintain balance, stiff or painful joints, a newly diagnosed medical condition and changes in medication.
There are several exercises designed to improve balance such as gait training and therapeutic exercise, however it's always best to seek the professional advice of a licensed physical therapist.
The first step in balance intervention is a proper assessment. Your base of support is your area of reach prior to losing balance. A physical therapist can help you develop a program to improve balance and stability outside the base of support to reduce risk for falls.
Tips to avoid falls
There are steps everyone can take to minimize the risk of falls:
- Avoid reaching high or low outside the base of support to help with stability and decrease the risk for falling backwards.
- Have your vision regularly and wear appropriate eyeglasses at all times.
- Wear appropriate footwear; avoid wearing only socks or shoes with smooth soles.
- Limit walking outside during bad weather. Wet leaves can be as slippery as ice.
- If your doctor recommends an ambulation device, such as a walker or cane, be sure to use it.
- In the home, keep hallways and steps free of clutter and put frequently used items within easy reach.
- Secure rugs and floor mats and place non-skip mats in tubs and showers.
- Install handrails on both sides of the stairs and grab bars near toilets, tubs and showers.
If admission to a skilled nursing facility becomes necessary, it's probable that you will be involved in a rehabilitation program. This is the time to ask questions about the facility's fall prevention program and observe other residents on the tour. Once you begin rehabilitation, your therapist can answer questions like, are there any fall recovery techniques you can use or are there exercises that can be done at home to reduce the risk for falls?
Check in with those who live alone
Some type of system should be in place for those living alone to access help after a fall or other medical event. Alert systems are available that allow someone to call for help. If an aging family member or friend lives alone, it is important to set up a regular phone call schedule. Not only does this help prevent longer delays in accessing help when necessary, but it is a pleasant and caring activity when all is well.
(Sensible Seniors, provided by Mountain View: A Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Coal Township, appears on the Health and Fitness page the first Monday of each month.)