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Fall Prevention 101

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“I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” Anyone who owned a TV in the nineties remembers the elderly woman who fell and couldn’t reach the phone but needed to alert the paramedics. Aside from being a memorable piece of pop culture history, this phrase serves as a reminder that seniors are at serious risk of injuries, and in some cases, death, from falling. After my grandmother had open-heart surgery this year, my parents cleared the candles and magazines out of my old room so they could keep an eye on her during her recovery process. Although I had no problem lending her my stuffed animals, this did beg the question: how safe will she be when she returns home?

According to a new report by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 33 percent of Americans over 65 experience at least one serious fall each year. The same study reports that deadly falls for seniors increased by more than 55 percent between 1993 and 2003, establishing falling as the leading cause of death among the elderly. To address this issue, many adult day care programs, assisted living facilities, nursing homes and other long-term care facilities have implemented the Falling Star program, which employs a discreet method of identifying seniors at high risk for falling. By placing star-shaped magnets or stickers on residents’ doors, staff members can alert their colleagues to a resident’s tendency to fall. The same goes for adult day care participants who are prone to falls; usually they’re given a sticker to wear when they arrive.

With 60 percent of all falls happening at home, it is crucial that seniors, their loved ones and home health care providers take precautions to prevent an avoidable injury by increasing home safety. Installing nightlights, handrails on staircases, and non-slip mats in bathtubs and showers will safeguard the home environment to a degree. However, it’s also important to keep electrical wiring either stapled along the walls or secured under furniture, which should be arranged to provide ample walking space. Throw rugs and loose carpet should either be secured to the floor or removed completely. And although slippers may be comfortable, it’s advisable to wear sturdy shoes with non-slip soles. Seniors can also do their part keeping phones in every room in the house, practicing tai chi or yoga to improve balance and strength, and by getting routine eye and ear exams. For a comprehensive listing of products to assist in fall-proofing your home, visit the Rehab Mart Discount Medical Equipment website.

Reach for the stars, but don’t fall like one—

Lori Deschene

Posted in: Assisted Living & Alzheimer's Care Communities, Emergency Preparedness, Home Safety & Fall Prevention, How to Care for Someone at Home, How-to's, Senior Health

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6 Responses to “Fall Prevention 101”

1. John Mullen Says:
   

   I am glad to find this information on the web. As a home health therapist in Texas my company is making it a point to carefully go over the actual home, identify problems and recommend solutions including ordering equipment as needed. Did you know that over 50% of the falls in the home are in the bathroom. I cringe when I see my elderly patients demonstrate how well they walk with their walker and then they leave it at the door of the bathroom because it is too difficult to get it thru the door and they grab onto the counter or the wall to steady themselves as they go to the toilet or tub. A wider doorway, slightly narrower walker or special swing clear hinges can allow a walker to pass thru the door. If not that, then a railing on the wall to allow them to safely walk thru the bathroom. And then there is the tub/shower, nonslip mats are ok, but difficult for an elderly patient to clean under. Non-skid tape attached to the tub surface is easier to clean. A proper choice between a tub transfer bench or a shower chair depends on the mobility of the patient. And other items such as grab bars and handheld showers need to be addressed. Sounds like a lot, and that is just the bathroom.
   And usually very little of this gets addressed properly by home health professionals.
   The problem is that health professionals are actually getting more training in how to fill out the Medicare paperwork and compliance with Medicare standards than actually being trained in how to properly address the home environment and the patient’s needs in the environment.
   Something to think about.

2. Lori Deschene Says:
   

   Thank you for adding some wonderful information. You’ve presented a thought provoking point about health professionals, and I think this emphasizes the need for vigilance by family members. What makes the possibility of serious injury by falling so catastrophic is how easily it can be prevented by taking the proper precautions. Please keep offering your thoughts and advice. They’re greatly appreciated!

3. RitaPHarvey Says:
   

   Last year my mom tripped over the radio cord and couldn’t reach the phone. She was there for over an hour before I found her. I got her a cellphone and now she wears it on her belt so she can call for help if she needs it. Good advice for all seniors.

4. Gloria Foti Says:
   

   Wondering if I can get some advice about selecting a medical alert system for my 88 year old mom. She only speaks spanish lives in Buffalo NY .

5. Lara Belonogoff Says:
   

   There are quite a few companies that offer medical alert bracelets and other devices. A nationwide service we list in our Gems section is the nonprofit MedicAlert.

6. Steve Winter Says:
   

   What about if someone does fall or need emergency assistance? The Guardian 911 can really save lives because the pendant becomes a speakerphone with a direct connection to 911. This is not a fee based service, but rather a safety product that only needs to be purchased once. When the button is pushed the unit dials 911.

   Regards,

   Steve

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