Falls are the leading cause
of accidental death among seniors. Approximately one-fourth of all older adults
[65+] fall every year, and the risk increases with age. By age 80, fifty
percent of older adults experienced a fall, followed by subsequent falls. Falls result in
three million emergency room visits and 32,000 deaths annually.
People
with dementia are less likely to recover completely. Risk factors are
biological, environment, cognitive-behavioral, or biological. Side effects of
medications, balance issues, chronic health conditions, and vision changes pose
additional risks. Older adults who have fallen often develop a fear of falling,
and then their careful movements are not as graceful or purposeful than before
the fall, increasing their likelihood of falling again.
Where
do most falls occur? Studies show that in seniors, they occur while transferring from a
chair, wheelchair, toilet, or bed. The environment can be modified to reduce
the risks of falling. For example, loose footwear, poor lighting, clutter,
throw rugs, and lack of stair railings or grab bars are all fixable. Improving
strength, balance, mobility, and movement have shown to reduce falls. Tai Chi,
yoga, Pilates, dance therapy, and virtual reality exergaming studies have
positive outcomes for reducing falls.
Can
we eliminate falls completely? No. That is not an attainable goal. Instead, the
focus is on minimizing falls. In fact, the nomenclature is completely changing.
Instead of using the term “Fall Prevention,” we use “Fall Minimization.” NEVER
ask whose fault it was. Instead, as WHY it happened.
Reference:
Gilligan, K. & Harper,
N. (2022, April 28). How can we approach the challenges of falls? Live
zoom training presentation. https://www.inspiredmemorycare.com
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