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| Help! I've fallen and I can't get up! |
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Nearly 1 in 3 people, over the age of 65, fall each year.
Falls are the sixth leading cause of death in people over the age of 65 and lead to 40% of nursing home admissions.
The home is a potentially dangerous place for both the young and old. 25% of falls in people over 65 result in serious injury. These injuries include broken hips, which can cause the loss of mobility and/or independence.
Older adults are more prone to falling due to medical reasons such as poor hearing, multiple medications and neurological conditions affecting balance and spatial judgment. As people age, their strength, endurance, flexibility, vision, gait, posture, hearing and balance all tend to deteriorate.
In addition, indirectly, fear may also be contributing. Its estimated that 20% of the elderly who fear falling limit their activities of daily living.
Making simple changes to lifestyle and environment can provide peace of mind and prevent the likelihood of falling. Moreover research shows that most falls among elders can be predicted and prevented.
Three methods of prevention are exercise, medical monitoring and home modification.
WHAT CAN I DO??
Simple Lifestyle Changes:
Have your vision and hearing checked regularly.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about side effects of your medication.
Limit alcohol intake.
Use caution when getting up from eating or sleeping.
Use a walker or cane to help maintain balance.
Wear supportive, rubber soled shoes.
Maintain a regular exercise program to improve/ maintain strength.
Home Modification:
Clear pathways of clutter and electrical cords.
Firmly attach carpets and rugs.
Rearrange furniture so they are not obstacles.
Use a raised seat and safety rail for the toilet.
Paint the TOP and BOTTOM stairs to show contrast.
Keep outdoor steps and pathways in good repair.
Utilize grab bars or a chair in the tub.
Utilize adequate lighting.
Use night lights to light a path from bed to bath.
Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and shower floors.
IF I FALL?
Take a few deep breaths to calm yourself.
Notice if you are hurt, try to move your toes, feet, legs and other extremities.
Take your time and move slowly.
Roll onto your side and then onto our stomach, and try to get on your hands and knees.
If you can, crawl to a couch, bed or doorknob and pull yourself up.
NEVER try to get up if you are on your back.
If you cannot get up ask for help.
If you are alone, crawl to a phone and Call 9-1-1.
If you lost consciousness - Call 9-1-1.
If you feel dizzy - Call 9-1-1.
If you feel disoriented - Call 9-1-1.
If you have any breathing difficulty - Call 9-1-1.
FALL FACTS!
Hip fractures are the most common fall related injuries that lead to hospitalization.
Approximately 200,000 hip fractures occur per year in the United States, and 90% of hip fractures are the result of a fall.
Length of stay for a hip fracture in the elderly is almost double that of any other cause for hospital admission.
TAKE STEPS TO PREVENT SLIP & FALL INJURIES
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