How It Works: Fall Prevention

| Wednesday, July 27, 2011
By Rachelle Thornton


Falls and fall-related injuries are one of the most common and serious problems that old people have to deal with. Fall prevention is the set of strategies applied to aid in the reduction of falls of older people. Fractures, particularly of the hip; head injuries; and death are some possible results.

There are many factors that can influence the risk factor of an individual. Some examples: gait, balance problems and a history of falls. Other possible factors: impaired vision, orthostatic hypotension, impaired cognition, decreased activity on day-to-day basis and certain medications. The causes of a fall will vary by individual. Preventative measures such as intervention are considered the best way to reduce occurrence.

Most preventative measures involve positively altering the condition of the body. For instance, improving vision by changing eyeglasses. It is recommended that individuals have separate glasses for reading and walking. Individuals who suffer from carotid sinus hypersensitivity may benefit from cardiac pacing. Other potential procedures: home risk assessment, balancing and strength training and withdrawal of certain medications.

Medical management is defined as identification of factors that propagate fractures and falls. Medications, history of falls, vision impairment, gait and balance problems and osteoporosis are common contributing factors. Beers Criteria contains the medications that old people should not take because they can elevate incident risk more. A test used to assess mobility and the musculoskeletal system of an individual is called the Get Up and Go exam. Most assessment procedures are determined to find the cause of the incident in order to effectively prevent recurrences.

Flexibility, strength and balance training lower fall risk and improve mobility, according to many studies. Many older adults are not involved in daily physical activities or do not work out on a regular basis. In some cases this is because they have fallen in the past and have the fear of this reoccurring.

Sometimes environmental modifications must be carried out. A home can pose many hazards for accident-prone people. The most common places, within a home, for injuries or incidents: steps and bathtubs. Changes to an environment typically include reducing hazards and helping support an individual throughout their daily activities.

They may suggest minimizing clutter. Bars for grabbing can be installed near toilets, showers or tubs. Slippery surfaces can be fixed with the addition of non-slip decals. To improve the stairs, handrails lighting and steps may be altered. Handrails would be added to both sides of a staircase. Lighting may be improved or fixed. Painting may be done to certain steps to add contrast. There has been no evidence to prove that these modifications will work. Read more about: fall prevention




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