Fall Prevention
Why is Fall Prevention Important?
Falls are a threat to the health of older adults and can reduce their ability to remain independent. However, falls aren’t something that just happens when you age, there are proven ways to reduce falls. Each year, millions of older people—those 65 and older—fall. In fact, more than one out of four older people falls each year, but less than half tell their doctor. Falling once doubles your chances of falling again.
What Conditions Make You More Likely to Fall?
Research has identified many conditions that contribute to falling. These are called risk factors. Many risk factors can be changed or modified to help prevent falls.
They include:
- Lower body weakness
- Vitamin D deficiency (not enough vitamin D in your body)
- Difficulties with walking and balance
- Use of medicines, such as tranquilizers, sedatives, or antidepressants. Even some over-the-counter medicines can affect balance and how steady you are on your feet.
- Vision problems
- Foot pain or poor footwear
- Home hazards or dangers such as broken or uneven steps, throw rugs, or clutter that can be tripped over.
Most falls are caused by a combination of risk factors. The more risk factors a person has, the greater their chances of falling.
How Can AtlantiCare Help?
Falls are preventable and there are simple steps you can take to stay independent longer. AtlantiCare Health Engagement offers free fall prevention seminars to educate older adults who have concerns about falling.
STAND TALL, PREVENT FALLS
This FREE one hour seminar includes an introduction to fall prevention and home safety tips designed to raise awareness, educate and provide useful strategies to prevent falls.
For more information or to set up a class, call Health Engagement at 1-609-677-7507 or email [email protected]
GET THE SUPPORT YOU NEED. HELP IS AVAILABLE
Sources:
1.Stevens JA, Ballesteros MF, Mack KA, Rudd RA, DeCaro E, Adler G. Gender differences in seeking care for falls in the aged Medicare Population. Am J Prev Med 2012;43:59–62.
2.O’Loughlin J et al. Incidence of and risk factors for falls and injurious falls among the community-dwelling elderly. American journal of epidemiology, 1993, 137:342-54.
3.Alexander BH, Rivara FP, Wolf ME. The cost and frequency of hospitalization for fall–related injuries in older adults. American Journal of Public Health 1992;82(7):1020–3.
4.Sterling DA, O'Connor JA, Bonadies J. Geriatric falls: injury severity is high and disproportionate to mechanism. Journal of Trauma–Injury, Infection and Critical Care 2001;50(1):116–9
11.Vellas BJ, Wayne SJ, Romero LJ, Baumgartner RN, Garry PJ. Fear of falling and restriction of mobility in elderly fallers. Age and Ageing 1997;26:189–193.
Eldercare Locator 1-800-677-1116 (toll-free) https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx
National Center for Injury Prevention and Control - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1600 Clifton Road Atlanta, GA 30333. 1-800-232-4636 (toll-free)1-888-232-6348 (TTY/toll-free) - cdc.gov injury
Looking for more information about exercise? Check out National Institute on Aging for more information at https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercise-and-physical-activity. This exercise and physical activity campaign from the National Institute on Aging has exercises, success stories, and free video and print materials.
National Institute on Aging Information Center P.O. Box 8057 Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8057. 1-800-222-2225 (toll-free) 1-800-222-4225 (TTY/toll-free) https://www.nia.nih.gov/ and well as https://www.nia.nih.gov/espanol