I have fallen and I can't get up!

[Orville Murphy]

1/3 of Americans over age 65 fall each year
 
Falls cause 90% of fractures in those over age 65
 
Falls are the leading cause of injury death in adults over 65

Simple solutions may greatly reduce your risk of falling.
Preventing falls is a key factor in improving the lives of older adults. Please let us know if you have any comments or suggestions.

[Orville Murphy]

Myth vs. Reality
Part of education is exposing myths about a subject and making the reality of it known. Fall Prevention is no different—several myths exist that prevent older individuals from getting the help they need.
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Myth: Using an assistive device will make me more dependent.

Reality: As assistive device may actually increase your independence—allowing you to be more active and still do the things you enjoy. Think of when you first got glasses—you really didn’t want them, did you? Now, imagine your life without them. A walker or cane provide the same help.
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Myth: I don’t need to use my assistive device when I am in my own home.

Reality: Again, think about your glasses—do you function as well without your glasses as you do with them? Now, imagine your life without them. A walker or cane allow you to get around ANY environment safely.
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Myth: If I stay seated most of the time, I reduce my risk of falling.

Reality: Inactivity leads to muscle and joint weakness which may lead to a fall.
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Myth: Falling is just something normal that happens as I get older.

Reality: Problems in later life are not part of “normal” aging. Falling is no more “normal” than memory loss and may be prevented through things like strengthening exercises for the body or changes in your environment to eliminate fall risks, a fall may be prevented.
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Myth: Taking just one medication cannot increase my risk of falling.

Reality: Taking any medication may increase your risk of falling. Medications affect people in many different ways. One of the common problems is that the initial dose of the medication is too high. Be very careful when starting a new medication and take extra care until you see what affect it is going to have on you.

[Orville Murphy]

For Caregivers

About half of those who fall will need some help with everyday activities. Not only should you take the time to speak with the older adult in your life about fall prevention strategies but also evaluate your own situation and make changes for yourself as well. Older adults are not the only group affected by falls!

Here are some tips to follow when speaking with an older adult about making a change in his or her life.

*Talk when you won’t be interrupted and when you are both relaxed.
*Don’t tackle everything in one conversation.
*Do not be judgmental. Remember: these are competent adults.
*Don’t hit them with questions. Finding ways to have a conversation about the future rather than answering a quiz will cause less anger and stress.
*Involve others if it will help. There are people out there who help manage later life decisions and issues for families. In some cases, it’s easier to talk about these matters with an outsider than with a family member. Call your local Area Agency on Aging, attorney, or healthcare provider for assistance.
*Be open and clear about the facts. Don’t whitewash problems. Be straightforward about the issue you are discussing.
*Actively listen to their concerns, don’t just convey your own.
*Focus on a goal that you can both agree on and that your healthcare provider has helped you set.

[Cheryl]

Good material; my father of 88 years fell 3 times in the last 2 days!  Imbalance caused by sudden drop in blood pressure, as he rises from a sitting position to standing, is the current diagnosis.  He also fell last year and broke his hip... just a few steps from his recliner.  He thought he just stubbed a toe or got his feet tangled up.  He had fallen a couple-three times in this manner without breaking any bones, PRIOR to falling and breaking his hip, so this should have been a warning to him.  Seniors should not be afraid to use a walker in such cases.  It's understandibly so hard to turn to a walker because it 'slows' one down, and it's hard to admit we are aging and losing physical control and agility, but that's the point... seniors need to slow down... our minds are much younger than our bodies at that age!  Thank you for food for thought on this topic regarding the statistics... my goodness, that's pretty cut and dry in black and white!... FALLS are a huge source on injury in seniors!

[Orville Murphy]

Outside Approaches to the House

*Keep steps sturdy and textured to prevent falls in wet or icy weather.
*Mark the edges of steps with bright or reflective tape.
*Consider a ramp with handrails into the home rather than steps.
*Eliminate uneven surfaces or walkways, hoses, or other objects that may cause a person to trip.
*Restrict access to a swimming pool by fencing it off with a locked gate, covering it, and keeping it closely supervised when in use.
*In the patio area, remove the fuel source and fire starters from any grills when not in use, and supervise use when the person with AD is present.
*Place a small bench or table by the entry door to hold parcels while unlocking the door.
*Make sure outside lighting is adequate. Light sensors that turn on lights automatically as you approach the house are available and may be useful. They also may be used in other parts of the home.
*Prune bushes and foliage well away from walkways and doorways.
*Consider a NO SOLICITING sign for the front gate or door.
If you have an older person living in your home that uses a walker it whould be good for to use the walker yourself for about 2 hours. See if you can make it around the house. If you can't then you know they can't.