Know the Risk of Falls

​The fear of falling becomes more common as people age, even among those who haven't fallen. Overcoming this fear can help seniors stay active and prevent future falls. Doing things like getting together with friends, gardening, walking, or going to the local senior center can help you stay healthy. The good news is, there are many ways to help prevent falls.

“As we age, we are continuously challenged to defy gravity,” says Dr. Dorothy Baker, PhD, Director of the Connecticut Collaboration for Fall Prevention (CCFP) at Yale University School of Medicine. “What makes us vulnerable to gravity is the fact that certain systems of our bodies are not working at peak performance. Many people have been weakened by unhealthy lifestyles, chronic disease, illness, and injury. We have to de-emphasize the environment as the reason why we fall and instead focus on how we can better interact with the environment in order to stay on our feet.”
There are 6 factors that relate to falls:

1. Balance Problems. The best thing you can do to reduce the risk of falls is some form of regular exercise to improve muscle strength and flexibility.  
2. Mobility Issues. Use mobility devices that have been fitted for you by a certified therapist and are in good working condition.  Make sure you wear good footwear for traction and comfort.
3. Medication Errors. Taking 4 or more medications places you at high risk.  Use a single community-based pharmacy who knows your chronic illnesses and overlooks all your medical prescribers. Make sure you tell the pharmacy of any Over-The-Counter supplements and medications.
4. Low Blood Pressure. Getting up too quickly can cause your blood pressure to drop making you feel lightheaded or unsteady.  Slowly stand and count to 10 before walking.
5. Sensory Deficits. Eyesight, and reflexes often diminish as we age. Medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or problems with your thyroid, nerves, feet, or blood vessels can contribute.  Schedule regular appointments with your medical providers to establish a solid base line to be aware of changes.
6. Home Hazards. Environmental factors such as uneven surfaces, area rugs, extension cords, and the bathroom can present a hazard. Install grab bars in the bathroom around the commode, bathtub/shower area as well as replacing towel bars for better environmental safety. 

If you do happen to fall, stay still on the floor for a moment and take a few deep breaths to try to relax.  This will help you gather your thoughts and determine if you are hurt before attempting to get up.  If you have a Medical Alert pendant you will want to push it so that responders can be alerted to your fall incident.
A fall is a time sensitive event. Getting help to someone in under 20 minutes provides for the best outcomes.  A Medical Alert system provides 2-way communication with a response associate to get the appropriate assistance in a reasonable amount of time. Today’s Medical Alerts systems are shower safe and not only work around the home but are mobile and can offer automatic falls detection should a person fall, and they are unable to call for help.