Fall Prevention
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Over the past month, I have noticed an increase in injuries resulting from falls. This past week, one of my eldest patients suffered a fall and has undergone surgeries as a result. For this reason, I feel it is appropriate to discuss falls. Falls in general have a higher tendency to be life altering in the senior citizen population, and some seniors never regain full functionality after sustaining a fall. In fact, the CDC reports that one quarter of senor citizens sustain a fall each year. These falls often result in traumatic injuries such as broken hips, concussions, and/or broken ribs. These falls subsequently result in hospitalizations or reconstructive surgical interventions. This down time increases the likelihood of the development of pneumonia or blood clots and can lead to death. Even if you are one of the more fortunate ones that recover without the development of another illness, one may need extensive rehabilitation to regain functionality. Unfortunately, some never regain the functionality they enjoyed prior to the accident.
With that said, it’s best to take steps to decrease the likelihood of sustaining a fall. The following are suggestions I make to my patients on a daily basis.
Since over 75% of falls are said to occur in the home, one should perform a walk thru of each room in their house. Try to eliminate any rugs or at least secure them with double sided tape to prevent slippage. Clear the pathways of any debris (including furniture) so you have a straight line to walk without having to walk around multiple objects. The goal is to walk thru your home with the least number of steps as possible. Debris such as newspapers, magazines, and shoes are common causative agents of falls. I’ve personally seen many falls result from pet owners tripping over their fur babies. Another common fall hazard is oxygen tubing. Some recommendations to decrease the likelihood of tripping over the tubing are: (1) if you use a cane or walker, wrap the tubing around your non dominate ring finger and (2) if you don’t use an assistive device, carry the tubing in your non dominant hand. Also, some wrap brightly colored tape around the tubing every foot or so to make the tubing more visible. Another similar fall hazard is loose electrical cords. One should avoid using extension cords or having cords lying in the walkway. Also make sure you have handrails where necessary like at any steps or ramps. Make sure walkways are well lit.
The bathroom is commonplace for falls. One should implement non slip mats, utilize tub stools so you’re not having to step up. into, or out of the bathtub but instead are able to sit and scoot over into the tub. Install an elevated commode seat and place grab bars at the shower and toilet. Avoid storing objects overhead or below the knees to avoid working overhead, kneeling, squatting, or stooping. If you suffer from nocturia (or having to urinate during the night), you may want to consider using a bed side commode.
The next recommendation is very important and often not practiced. When arising from the bed each morning, allow your legs to dangle over the bedside for a few minutes before trying to stand. Sometimes, your blood pressure will drop with position changes. We call this orthostatic hypotension, and it has the tendency to result in one becoming dizzy and losing balance. Arise from a seated position slowly. If you have the ability, purchase a lift chair. Again, use your assistive devices. They have been recommended to you for a very important reason.
For heaven’s sake, use your walker or cane if recommended by your medical provider! Speak to your medical provider if you feel your joints are stiff to see if medication will help aide in regaining more range of motion. Inquire about physical therapy or a personal trainer. Always consult with your primary care provider before making any healthcare changes as often times your insurance will cover some of the aforementioned assistive devices to help make your home more fall proof. By working with the healthcare provider who knows you best, together, you can create a fall prevention plan that will give you more peace of mind.
