Worried about your balance, and injuring yourself in a fall?
You're not alone.
Falls are VERY common - One in four Americans ages 65 and above – 29% of seniors – fall each year.
To help you stay safe, confident on your feet, and active in old age, we share 6 steps for elderly fall prevention in this blog.
How Serious Are Falls For Elderly People?
Although you hope that you'll get right back up, you may not. You might sustain bumps and bruises, strains and sprains, and broken bones, and lasting trauma.
And this is more common that you might think.
Every year, 3 million older adults will be treated for fall-related injuries in the emergency room, with 800,000 having to be hospitalized following a fall.
Falls are the leading cause of both fatal injury and nonfatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults. Beyond physical injuries, falls also can lead to overwhelming fears of falling, loss of independence, and social isolation.
Falling down is often viewed as an inevitable part of aging, but it doesn’t have to be. Researchers continue to report encouraging findings that pinpoint reasons why seniors fall, as well as steps older Americans can take to prevent falls. In October, the U.S. Senate’s Special Committee on Aging released a bipartisan report calling for more concerted efforts to prevent falls among the elderly.
“In addition to the physical and emotional trauma of falls, the financial toll is staggering,” said Sen. Susan Collins, R–Maine. “Now is the time, and now is our opportunity, to take action to prevent falls.”
It’s estimated that older adults incur $50 billion annually in fall-related medical costs, a number that’s expected to double by 2030.
“We must dispel our loved ones of the stigma associated with falling so that they can get the help they need to age in place – where they want to be – in their homes and communities,” added Sen. Bob Casey, D–Penn.
A variety of factors contribute to falls among seniors, including an overall decline in physical fitness, chronic conditions like arthritis or Parkinson’s that can weaken the body, poor vision, orthopedic concerns, neurological disorders, side effects from medications, or issues impacting muscles, joints and nerves.
Falls can be prevented.
The Committee on Aging made recommendations in four key areas: raising awareness about fall-related risks, improving screenings and referrals, targeting modifiable risk factors, and reducing the use of drugs that can contribute to falls.
6 Steps To Prevent Falls For Elderly People
#1 - Assess Your Home Environment
Keep floors, hallways, and stairs free of clutter, and ensure that indoor and outdoor walkways are well-lit. Consider adding grab bars in the shower or bathtub, as well as handrails on both sides of staircases. Make sure sidewalks have no cracks that are potential trip hazards and that steps are not too steep.
#2 - Prioritize Regular Exercise
Minimal impact exercises can help build stability, strength, and flexibility, abilities that often decline as individuals age
#3 - Choose The Right Footwear
Wear shoes with slip-resistant soles and adequate heel support. Limit movement to even surfaces; thick grass, nature trails, throw rugs, and sand each present a potential trip hazard
#4 - Examine Prescription Labels
Understand potential side effects with medications, which can cause dizziness, headaches, nausea, or sleepiness
#5 - Visit The Doctor
Annual appointments with a primary care physician are crucial, but so too are yearly visits to an optometrist and otolaryngologist. Your eyes and ears are two very important keys to stability as you age.
As always, consult with a trained medical professional prior to making any substantial exercise, dietary, or lifestyle changes..
#6 - Consult A Physical Therapist
The first, and most important, step for seniors and their family members is to consult with a physical therapist for a balance assessment, which will help identify each patient’s unique strengths and functional limitations that make an individual more susceptible to poor balance and falls.
FYZICAL Waukesha provides a comprehensive balance therapy program that includes an evaluation of a patient’s gait, or walking skills, to determine potential problems with strength, posture, and other conditions. Hip and ankle weakness, as well as poor posture, often lead to balance problems.
Our experienced physical therapists also develop an individualized program for core and lower extremity strength, balance, endurance and flexibility, and outline steps to prevent future falls.
Elderly Fall Prevention - The Best Way To Reduce Your Fall Risk
If you or someone you know suffers from imbalance, keep in mind that early intervention is key to elderly fall prevention.
By seeking the right support early, you are able to avoid dangerous falls, and the psychological damage that can follow - lost confidence, isolation from social activities and fear of losing independence in later life.
FYZICAL’s treatment and recovery protocols include utilizing cutting-edge equipment that isn’t available at any other outpatient physical therapy or treatment center in the area.
We offer Free Balance Assessment to identify individuals of all ages and conditions at risk of falling, and struggling with balance when walking, climbing the stairs and getting out of your chair.
By addressing your balance issues early, future injuries can be prevented.
Our skilled physical therapists will create a program specifically tailored to your needs, so you can begin your quest to regain your footing, your confidence, and your freedom.
Contact FYZICAL Waukesha to get a Free Balance Assessment today!
Call us on (262) 349-9297 or arrange your Free Balance Assessment by completing our simple form.
More Free Resources On Elderly Fall Prevention
Take our Fight The Fall Quiz where you can quickly find out your fall risk, and receive some free expert advice about preventing falls in the elderly and younger individuals struggling with their balance and co-ordination.
Read Our Blog - Having Good Balance is a Critical Component of Healthy Aging
Read Our Blog - Fight The Fall! Understanding Fall Risk & Prevention
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