Don’t Let Fall Trip You Up!

Falls affect everyone—especially those of us who are a bit older—in many ways. When an elderly person falls and is injured, their ability to live independently decreases. Even a fall that does not cause an injury can limit confidence and the ability to be comfortable living independently.

We fall due to both environmental and physical reasons. In our environment, lighting, clutter, extension cords, lack of handrails, uneven walking surfaces, pets, scatter rugs, and even Mother Nature can make us, oops, slip and fall. Physically, there are changes in our bodies that can increase the likelihood of falling, such as vision, strength, flexibility, changes in sleep patterns, chronic health conditions, and both prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Involving a healthcare organization that specializes in geriatric care management is an effective way to get an unbiased assessment. Are there environmental and/or physical issues that are increasing my chances of falling that could ultimately be prevented?

An assessment is a simple on-site visit, completed by a care manager who reviews the current life care needs of the client and develops a plan of care with the client and his or her family and any other significant caregivers. The care manager can suggest tips for preventing falls specific to that individual’s living situation.

In addition, there are things that we can all do to prevent falls. Here are some tips:

• Indoor Lighting - Make sure that stairways and hallways are brightly lit. Use night lights for the walkway between the bedroom and the bathroom.

• Clutter - Simply having things out of place can cause falls. Always try to keep things in their correct places.

• Extension Cords – Arrange furniture so that extension cords are out of the way.

• Lack of Handrails – Install proper handrails in showers, tubs and near stairs.

• Scatter rugs - Make sure that all throw rugs have a nonskid backing.

• Pets - Be aware of where your pet is and be careful when visiting others who have pets as well.

• Phones – Keep a portable phone by you or let an answering machine catch the calls. Do not hurry to answer the phone.

• Mother Nature – When driving, park where it is clear of snow and ice. Keep your driving to daylight hours and always use the buddy system. Let someone know where you are at all times – and even bring a friend when running errands or traveling. Also, arrange for snow and ice removal up to the door of your residence.

• Outdoor Lighting – This is just as important as indoor lighting. Install sensor lights wherever possible.

• Changes in Body – Have an eye examination every year and wear glasses as prescribed. Exercise regularly to keep muscle strength and to improve balance.

• Chronic Health Conditions – Get up from lying down slowly if you have heart problems or high blood pressure.

• Medications – Talk to your pharmacist about any side effects that you can expect from your medication.

If you do fall, speak to your physician about receiving the proper home-based rehabilitation to regain any muscle strength lost during the period of healing and inactivity. Receiving this essential physical and/or occupational therapy after a fall drastically reduces the chances of another fall occurring. By preventing and treating falls, independent living can be achieved much longer. And isn’t that the ultimate goal?

To learn more about preventing falls, or for obtaining rehabilitation therapy after a fall, contact Celtic Healthcare by visiting www.celtichealthcare.com or calling 1.800.355.8894.