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Fall prevention should be top priority for senior citizens

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HEALTH TOPICS

Falls are the single largest cause of injury among seniors, and top the list of in-home accidental fatalities.

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control offers the following frightening statistics:

Older adults are hospitalized for fall-related injuries five times more often than they are for injuries from other causes. One third of older adults who fall, sustain a hip fracture and are hospitalized die within a year.

Even if a fall does not result in hospitalization, fear of falling can become a major factor in seniors' quality of life.

Fear leads to inactivity and loss of confidence, which in turn produces a cycle of fear, loss (of self-confidence and greater iniactivityTripping and falling are nearly always preventable. As seniors, or caregivers to seniors, prevention should be a top priority.

Medication side effects and drug interactions should be completely understood, and may require consistent monitoring and

reminding. The majority of medications for seniors may have some affect on alertness and/or blood pressure, which can lead to loss of balance. Ask both your physician and pharmacist.

Mobility and agility limitations also require a fresh look at the everyday contents of the home.

Here are some easy tips to help minimize the risk of life-altering falls for your loved ones:

Understand medication side effects and interactions and post warnings clearly in your home where you keep your medicine.

When adding or switching drugs, or adjusting dosage for the first time, keep physical activity to a minimum. It's better to wait an hour watching television, or

reading a book than sweeping or climbing stairs.

Throw rugs can be a tripping hazard. Either remove them or make sure they are securely tacked down.

Add hand rails to all stairs.

Clear clutter from walking paths, and make sure hallways and stairways are well lit.

Eliminate long extension cords that snake across a room. Plug lamps into outlets near the wall so cords are tucked away.

Add grab bars next to the toilet, tub and shower.

Getting in and out of the tub can be hazardous. In addition to grab bars, make sure the tub has non-skid mats. A tub seat may make showering easier, too.

Trade in floppy slippers for well-fitting slippers with nonskid soles.

Avoid night clothing that drags on the ground.

The experts at Visiting Angels can help you check for hazards in your loved one's home and address the issues that are important to you and your family. They offer nonmedical, in-home help for seniors and disabled adults.

Caregivers can prepare meals, assist with hygiene, do light housework, run errands, or take clients to appointments, shopping or just for a stroll.

Caregivers are available from a few hours to 24/7 care. For more information, call 302-329-9475.

Annalise Forman is director of Visiting Angels, a senior home care company serving Sussex County.





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