About this topic
A fall is the sudden loss of balance that causes a person to drop to the ground or floor. Falls are a serious health risk and they happen more often as we get older. Many things may increase your risk of falling, like: ‚
- Problems that come with getting older
- Muscle weakness
- Balance problems
- More trouble seeing
- Personal health factors
- Health conditions such as arthritis, Parkinsons disease, low blood pressure, or stroke
- Loss of feeling in your feet
- Being less active
- Taking drugs that makes you dizzy or drowsy
- Habits like alcohol use
- Things around your house
- Slippery floors
- Unsecured rugs
- Stairs
- Wearing improper fitting shoes
- Areas where it is dark and difficult to see
- Incorrect size or type of assistive devices
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What will the results be?
- Prevent future falls
- Avoid injuries and disabilities
- Improve overall health
Will there be any other care needed?
What to do if you fall: ‚
- Stay calm and do not panic.
- Look for signs to decide if you have been hurt or have an injury.
- If you think you can get up safely, try to get up.
- If you are hurt or cannot get up on your own, try to get help.
- If no one is available to help, try to get comfortable and wait for someone to arrive who can help you.
- Stay warm and move regularly as you are able. Avoid putting too much pressure on any one area.
- After a fall, tell family and friends that you have fallen. It is also important to talk to your doctor about your fall right away.
What problems could happen?
A fall can lead to broken bones and other serious injuries in older adults. Problems that happen because of a fall may even lead to death in older adults. Many people are not able to return to their former level of activity after a fall. ‚
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
Lower Your Risk of Falling ‚
- Make the most of your vision. Wear your eyeglasses. Have regular eye checkups. Do not use reading glasses when you walk around.
- Keep your bones strong. Get enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet. Ask your doctor if you need to take extra calcium or vitamin D.
- Quit smoking and limit alcohol intake. Smoking and too much alcohol can decrease bone mass and increase the chance of broken bones.
- Know the side effects of the drugs you are taking. Some drugs may affect your balance and cause confusion or sleepiness.
- Get up slowly after you sit or lie down. Do not change positions quickly. Do not rush when you need to go to the bathroom or to answer the phone.
- Use proper and safe foot wear. Wear rubber-soled shoes.
Stay Physically Active ‚
- Be physically active. This will help to improve your strength and balance.
- Fear of falling may lead you to avoid activities. Talk to your doctor. You may be sent to a physical therapist. This person can help you improve balance and build your confidence. Getting rid of your fear of falling can help you stay active and prevent future falls.
- Join an exercise program. Ask your doctor what exercise is safe for you. Be sure to ask before you do any exercises, especially if you have illnesses like arthritis. Exercise can help you keep muscles strong and help with your balance. It is also a good way to learn proper ways to do each activity or exercise.
Safety Tips At Home ‚
- Keep your floors and walking areas clear from clutter. Remove furniture that blocks your way. Secure cords and wires near the wall to avoid tripping over them. Get rid of throw rugs.
- Be sure the lights in your house are working well and provide good lighting throughout your home. Make sure you can reach switches and lamps easily. Place a lamp close to your bed that is easy to reach.
- Fix all steps and sidewalks to make them smooth and even. Put handrails and lights on stairs.
- Keep all the things you use often on low shelves or in cabinets that are at about waist level. Ask for help to move items off of high shelves. Do not use chair as a step stool.
- Keep your bathroom area safe. Use nonslip rubber mats on the floor and in the tub or shower. Place a grab bar or handrail in your bathroom and close to the toilet.
- Keep a phone near you in case of emergency. Keep a list of your emergency contact numbers in large print near your phone. Carry a phone with you when you go for a walk. Consider using a personal alarm device that could call for help in case you fall and cannot get up.
- Think about protecting your hip. Hip protectors may be needed if you have a higher chance for falling. Ask your doctor about this.
Where can I learn more?
American Geriatrics Society ‚
http://www.americangeriatrics.org/health_care_professionals/clinical_practice/clinical_guidelines_recommendations/2010/ ‚
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/pubs/English/booklet_Eng_desktop-a.pdf ‚
National Institute of Aging ‚
http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/publication/falls-and-fractures ‚
National Institute of Health ¢ ˆ ’ Senior Health ‚
http://nihseniorhealth.gov/falls/aboutfalls/01.html ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚