Steady observation
Identifying fall prevention risks for seniors can ensure happier, healthier lives
The fear of falling may prevent a fulfilling lifestyle for many seniors. But an actual fall can be fatal.
Not only can a fall cause both physical and psychological harm, the cost of falls in a rapidly increasing population of American seniors is damaging to everyone’s wallet.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in four Americans age 65 and older falls each year, and every 19 minutes a senior dies from a fall.
In 2015 alone, the total cost of fall injuries was $50 billion, with Medicare and Medicaid bearing three-quarters of the cost. This year the price for the broken bones, fractured hips and head injuries of seniors who fall is expected to reach almost $70 billion.
Physical decline
Fear alone can keep seniors indoors in surroundings that feel safe, increasing social isolation, depression and further physical decline.
But the good news is that an aging American can live a more worry-free life with the help of professionals looking to prevent falls before they happen.
Berks-based Pivot Physical Therapy, Muhlenberg Township, provides fall risk analysis for seniors to eliminate as many factors as possible that would allow for a fall and to reduce concerns about a potential mishap.
According to Brandon Cory, clinic director, common reasons for falls can be varied, but include orthostatic hypotension, a form of low blood pressure occurring with a change in position; vision or hearing impairment; and overall weakness and reduced endurance.
And the improper use or fit of a cane or walker can add to fall risks.
Less obvious reasons that could contribute to fall risks, Cory explained, are diabetes, heart disease and blood pressure, and any medications that can cause dizziness.
Even improperly fitting or inappropriate shoes can become a tripping or slipping hazard.
The National Council on Aging noted that dehydration, arthritis and the aftereffects of strokes to the list of concerns increasing anyone’s likelihood of experiencing a fall.
Although Cory confirms that while most fall risk factors are found in seniors over age 60, conditions including diabetes, concussion, vertigo or blood pressure concerns can increase the likelihood of falling for anyone.
Pivot Physical Therapy patients who are checked for fall risks undergo a battery of testing to check for balance; the time it takes to rise, walk, turn around and sit; sitting to standing abilities; and orthostatic blood pressure issues.
Cory explains that not only
does Pivot staff evaluate a patient’s abilities but ensures that testing will cover a wide range of indoor and outdoor parameters such as going up and down curbs or stairs and accessing a car, chair or bed.
“Pivot Physical Therapy, being a private practice outpatient facility, will talk about and assess all assistive device setups, wheelchair, walker, cane, rollator, etc. and educate on all household safety parameters,” Cory said. “Our physical therapy staff will discuss all findings with the patients and their family members if the patient desires, and make recommendations for modifications or refer the patient to their physician or outside companies for onsite, (in-home) assessments as needed.”
The National Council on Aging confirms that falls are not inevitable in aging Americans and practical solutions can be put in place once risks are identified.
They recommend common-sense steps to keep aging parents, grandparents or other loved ones independent.
Many older adults know that falling is a risk, but may not believe a fall will happen to them, so having a discussion with a health care provider is a good starting point to establish their risks.
Talking about any problems seniors are having managing their own health is also a great idea and can include any issues with remembering to take medications or if there seem to be side effects to those meds.
And if a senior admits to have trouble doing things that used to be easy, it could be a red flag that a fall is in the future, so taking advantage of any wellness programs offered under Medicare or private insurance can be a great benefit.
A trip to the eye doctor to be sure vision prescriptions are current is an important step for fall prevention, as well as realizing that tintchanging lenses may cause vision issues when going from bright light into a darkened room. Bifocal lenses can cause vision problems on stairs.
It may be time to visit a physical therapist for help with balance, strength or gait if a senior is seen holding onto walls or furniture and having trouble getting walking or rising from a chair. Using a properly fitted cane or walker with instructions for correct usage from a PT may be just the ticket for needed stability.
Many seniors have lived in their homes for a long time and may not realize the hazards that they have become accustomed to over the decades.
Easy fixes such as increased lighting; clearing pathways of furniture, clutter and throw rugs; securing railings on both sides of staircases; and installing grab bars at the shower and toilet; or even adding a shower chair can go a long way toward keeping a home safe from fall risk.
Physical activity can be a senior’s best friend to avoiding a fall. Gentle exercises such as walking, water workouts, tai chi or physical therapy with a doctor’s approval can improve strength, balance, flexibility and gait.
And seniors should never forget that proper footwear is a key part of fall prevention, and high heels, flip flops, slippers, shoes with slippery soles and walking in stocking feet can cause tripping and falling.
Enlisting the help of professionals in employing fall prevention strategies can go a long way to helping anyone at risk for a fall live a happier and healthier life.