Falls In and Around the Home
Falls In and Around the Home
Why am I writing again about falls?
Here is why: More than 31,000 people died in America in 2017 alone from injuries resulting from a fall! That is a number that has doubled in the last ten years.
The U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging states that falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for those over 65 years of age. This statistic carries an annual cost to the U.S. health care system of $50 Billion in 2015. This dollar amount will double by 2030.
The physical and financial effects of falls only tells part of the story. When my grandmother fell, it was usually head first. This type of fall meant bruises to the face and upper body. Even though she was never seriously wounded, the psychological and emotional effects of falling were equally devastating.
The embarrassment of the bruises and the resulting pain were always worse. Often then she would want to stay in with the appearance increasing isolation. We do not like to admit we fell; we do not want people to worry; we do not want to lose our independence. The physical bruises heal. The emotional bruising takes much longer.
After healing, there is fear - the fear of falling again. Many of us have watched our parents “furniture surf.” They do not wish to use a cane or a walker; to admit that they need assistance. So they walk through the house with one hand on a piece of furniture just in case they lose their footing. Sometimes I have seen two-handed surfing, which results in a sidewinding gate moving one foot over the top of the other in order to travel through the home. Often this is not enough. The table may give way, the chair may topple over, they may trip, or the person’s hand slips. Down they go.
Interestingly enough, the fear of falling ranks number one in common risk factors for falls. Fear can make us walk stiffly, moving too slowly to keep balance with our rigid bodies. I have seen many of those Right at Home cares for walk hunched over and reaching for the next object, which causes instability in gait and increases vulnerability.
Other common risk factors include limitations in mobility, poor balance, visual impairment, lack of muscle strength – especially in the core or abdominal and back regions, reduced reaction times, as well as the use of multiple medications which can interact in such a way as to cause dizziness or just a little unsteadiness.
What can you do? Make sure there is plenty of light and that it is easily accessible. Install grab bars and handrails in bathrooms and on stairwells. Remove throw rugs that can get tangled underfoot. Use weatherproof or textured paint outdoors on painted surfaces. If not painted, consider abrasive strips. Both inside and out utilize rubber stair treads or abrasive strips to decrease the likelihood of slips and falls.
Nearly three million people over the age of 65 experience a winter fall. More than 800,000 of those require a hospital stay. In winter weather wear shoes with excellent traction and walk like a penguin. Concentrate on your route. Walk slowly and deliberately, taking small steps like a penguin! Avoid carrying items if possible, which can throw off your balance. Ask for help if it is available and clean your shoes after going inside. Snow and ice can be very slippery on inside surfaces!