Fall Prevention

Article submitted by St. Clair Hospital Lifeline Program will upon request distribute Fall Prevention brochures. Contact them at 412-942-2093.

Would it surprise you to know that 35 to 40% of all people 65 years of age and older fall each year and that those that fall are 2-3 times more likely to fall again. In addition, 10 to 20 percent of all falls result in serious injuries. A majority of these falls result in hip fractures and head injuries. Of those hospitalized for a hip fracture 40% never return home or live independently again. The loss of independence subsequent to a serious falls may lead to placement in a nursing facility contributing to escalating health care costs and/or increase in mortality. Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths and most common reason for emergency room trauma admissions.

Serious falls and fall related injuries impose a massive burden on individuals, their families, and the nation's health care system. This number continues to increase to 50% by the age of 80.

By 2020, the estimated cost of fall-related injuries is projected at 43.8 billion dollars a year for people 65 years of age and older.

People who fall often face significant declines in mobility and independence. As a result of these statistics, all aging programs are focusing on reducing falls and serious injuries through fall prevention and methods of obtaining emergency assistance when a fall occurs. Lifeline Systems, Inc. has established a checklist of fall prevention techniques. The Fall Prevention Brochure assists in recognizing fall risks and prevention.

Evidence strongly suggests that falls result from numerous factors that can be both natural to the individual's health condition and within the safety of their home environment. Concerns are focused on the physical ability, home safety, medication management, and the environment or surroundings.

Risk factors for those with physical issues include lower extremity weakness, general weakness, unsteady walking, muscle and skeletal stiffness, slow reaction to balance. The presence of these factors in older adults with chronic medical problems leaves them at a greater risk for a fall and fall related injuries because of their limited capabilities.

Medication management is another concern for the physical and mental abilities of a senior. Changes in concentration, dizziness or lightheadedness, balance, and alertness can all be side effects of medications or the mixture of medications if not taken properly. Review medications with your doctor or pharmacist. Some drugs, including over the counter drugs can make you drowsy, dizzy, and unsteady.

Of all falls, 55% occur in the senior's home and 23 percent occur outside within the perimeter of their home. Methods to reduce falls in a home include, but are not limited to, installing grab bars in shower, tub, and toilet areas; remove clutter; check that wires/extension cords do not cross a walking area; install proper lighting; paint edges of basement stairs; remove or tack all throw rugs; and store frequently used items where you can reach them easily.

One of the leading ideas to improving health is exercise and physical therapy. Exercise does not need to be elaborate or involve joining a gym. It should be consistent to improve strength, balance, and flexibility.

Home environment and surroundings also contributes to the escalating number of falls. Uneven pavement or surfaces, tree roots, slippery walking surfaces, snow and ice can lead to serious injuries especially if the person is not found for some time and the weather is severe.

Now for some good news - Studies have confirmed that getting help quickly after a fall reduces the risk of hospitalization by 26% and death by 80%, "South Medical Journal." A study reported in The New England Journal of Medicine found that preventing falls and the resulting injuries can reduce or delay the need to move to a long-term care facility.

Systems that enable seniors to summon help when a fall occurs are personal emergency response services. St. Clair Hospital Lifeline Program is just one service that ensures subscribers immediate assistance in the event of an emergency. The waterproof, lightweight personal help button generally worn on a neckcord or wristband when activated links the caller to Lifeline Emergency Response Center. The monitor will contact family or police/paramedics based on the situation.

Although most of the subscribers live alone, there are still many who live with their spouse or other family members. Patients with medical histories of high blood pressure; stroke; congestive heart failure; cancer; diabetes; recent hip fracture; breathing problems; severe arthritis; MS; MD; ALS and other chronic diagnosis benefit from the early intervention and reassurance that Lifeline provides.

As a special promotion for St. Clair hospital Lifeline will be offering free installation which is a cost savings of $50.00 for the months of May and June 2006.

Additional Senior Fall Prevention Resources:

Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers will provide home inspections for any senior in the Allegheny County Area. Contact them at (412) 687-6712.

St. Clair Hospital Lifeline Program will upon request distribute Fall Prevention brochures. Contact them at (412) 942-2093.