Submitted by Right at Home Peoria
Each year three million older adults seek treatment at the hospital after a fall. Falls are a major public health problem, reports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
And while the effects of a fall can be life-changing and life-threatening for seniors, the fear of falling also is a serious threat. “Sometimes after they’ve fallen or have been told by their doctor that they are at high risk of falling, older adults will decide it’s best to avoid physical activity,” reports Jennifer Pearce, owner of Right at Home Peoria. “This leads to loss of stamina and muscle strength … which, in turn, increases their fall risk all the more!” Fortunately, there are science-based steps older adults can take:
1. Talk to the doctor about your risk factors. Do you have health conditions such as arthritis, vision loss, osteoporosis, or memory loss which raise the risk of falls? Be open with your doctor about your fall history. The CDC reports half of seniors injured in a fall don’t tell their doctor about it—but they should. Falling just once doubles the chance of falling again.
2. Get enough exercise, and the right kind. Ask your doctor to “prescribe” an exercise program for you, which will likely include activities to strengthen muscles, build endurance, increase flexibility, and improve balance. Gyms, senior centers, and recreation centers offer senior exercise classes, though these days, exercises you can do at home may be more practical. Dancing, gardening, and house cleaning also provide a workout.
3. Seek help for balance problems. Some falls are caused by disorders of the vestibular system, located in our inner ear, which is important for our sense of balance. These disorders often can be treated. We also can improve our balance abilities. Ask your doctor about a balance class, with special exercises and activities such as Tai Chi that actually improve our sense of position.
4. Conduct a fall-prevention home inspection. The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recently reminded seniors that it’s a great time to give their homes a safety inspection—because these days, we are likely spending most of our time at home! “Look around for hazards,” says Pearce. “Remove clutter that could trip you up. Improve lighting throughout the house, and add grab bars in the bathroom and other key areas. And be sure there’s a clear path to walk through the house.”
5. Have your medications reviewed. The drugs we take help us manage health conditions that raise our risk of falls. And yet, either alone or combined with other drugs, many prescription and over-the-counter medications can cause dangerous side effects, such as dizziness, confusion, and drowsiness. Bring a list of all the medications you take to your doctor or pharmacist and report any side effects when starting a new drug.
6. Have regular vision and hearing exams. Not surprisingly, vision loss is a top risk factor for falls. In some cases, vision can be improved with eyeglasses. Pearce notes, “Our ears also provide a lot of important information about the environment around us that can help us avoid falling, so if you have hearing aids, use them.”
7. Eat a fall-fighting diet. Getting the right nutrients promotes muscle and bone strength. Calcium, protein, and vitamin D intake are particularly important. Talk to your doctor about an eating plan that’s right for you. Be frank about your alcohol intake too. Drinking too much ups the fall risk quite a bit.
8. Use walking aids properly. Canes, walkers, and other mobility devices help many older adults maintain their stability and avoid falls while walking. However, it’s important to use these devices correctly. A physical therapist or other professional can recommend an appropriate device, make sure it is properly fitted, and train you in its safe use.
9. Avoid distracted walking. Many falls happen when seniors aren’t fully aware of their surroundings. Pearce shared an interesting observation: “Today, the main culprit might be your smartphone. There’s a stereotype of a young person walking along while texting. But experts tell us older adults are doing it, too!
10. Add home care to your fall prevention strategy. For many families, hiring professional in-home care is a way to achieve the above goals. Pearce reports that Right at Home caregivers remove clutter, supervise exercise, provide transportation to healthcare appointments, pick up prescriptions, and provide appropriate care for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or other memory loss. Today, many fall prevention classes and activities are taking place via videoconferencing. The caregiver can help with that, too! “Seniors who might hesitate to be active gain an extra measure of confidence when a professional caregiver is at hand—a great way to break the cycle of falls and fear,” says Pearce. “Family, too, are more confident knowing their loved one has help nearby.”
For more information on reducing your fall risk, contact Right at Home Peoria at 309-327-0808.
