According to the National Council on Aging, falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among elderly Americans, but if you know what to look for, you can help reduce the risk of falling for your aging parent, other family members and friends.
“Often, people we know show clear signs when they have a higher chance of falling,” says Karin Crute, a physical therapist at Beaumont. “Knowing what to look for, and having the tools to help them, can be the difference between knowing whether they’re safe or not.”
Here are few things that you can look for to see if someone you know has an elevated risk of falling:
RUSHING TO THE RESTROOM
“Rushing to the toilet is one of the leading causes of falls in the home,” says Crute. “If someone you know is having problems and has not seen a health care provider who specifically deals with this, have them talk to their primary care doctor as soon as possible.”
In the meantime, make sure their restroom is equipped with handrails and a higher toilet seat. You can also remove floor mats that may slip, and clear the hallway to the restroom of any clutter that could be in their way.
TAKING MORE THAN FOUR MEDICATIONS PER DAY
“If your aging parent or friend takes more than four medications per day, their risk for falling increases,” says Crute. “As people age, their prescriptions change as well. Have them talk to their primary care doctor or pharmacist to see if their medications are up to date.”
CARDIOVASCULAR FITNESS
Cardiovascular health is extremely important as you age, and it can even help prevent falling, too. A quick way to test someone’s cardiovascular level is to see if they can walk for 15 to 20 minutes continuously. If they can’t, help them work up to that level of activity.
“Strengthening the heart, lungs and muscles allows an individual to move more easily and for a longer time,” says Crute. “It reduces fatigue, which ultimately lessens the risk of falling during their daily activity.”
To improve their fitness level, Crute suggests daily walks starting with how long they can go now, and adding one minute every week.
TROUBLE ENTERING OR EXITING THEIR HOME
Many falls occur when people are trying to enter or exit their homes, especially when they’re carrying something. If you notice someone’s porch area is poorly lit or in need of sturdy rails, don’t wait to install them.
“It’s important to take the necessary steps to prevent falls,” says Crute. “If you know someone who needs some modifications to where they enter or exit their home, making accommodations right away can help prevent a fall.”
These are only a few of the things to look for. If you feel like someone you know is at a higher risk for falling, encourage them to speak with their health care providers about how they can prevent it.
WHERE TO SEEK TREATMENT FOR FALL INJURIES
Many fall injuries can be treated at urgent care facilities or through specialized walk-in programs like the Beaumont Sports and Orthopedic Injury Clinic in Canton. Care at one of these locations may be appropriate for falls resulting in:
- a possible sprained ankle, foot or knee
- possible broken bones
- many hand, wrist, elbow and shoulder injuries
- swollen joints
- torn ligaments and tendons
- bruises and contusions
- tailbone injury
- dislocations
Get to a hospital emergency room immediately if the injured person experiences any of the following:
- displaced or open wound fractures
- wheezing, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- chest pain
- fainting or dizziness
- sudden numbness or weakness
- bleeding that cannot be stopped
- sudden inability to see, walk or move
- abdominal pain
- coughing or vomiting blood
- any fever in children under 3 months
- confusion or changes in mental status
- fever with convulsions
- severe headache or head injury
- blood in urine or bloody diarrhea