Facts on Falling:

  • Falls in the elderly are more common than strokes and are just as serious.
  • Falling is the most preventable cause needing nursing home care.
  • Risk for falling increases difficulty with dressing, bathing and walking around.
  • For Adults 70 years old and older:
    • 3 in 10 will fall each year.
    • 2 in 10 will fall during the first month after hospitalization.
    • 1 in 10 will suffer a broken bone or head injury after a fall.
    • 5 in 10 will require help after falling.
    • Falls cause over 90% of hip fractures.

Falls Are Preventable:

Many of the health problems that can increase the chances of falling are known and treatable.

What Can I Do?

The Department of Health & Human Services:  Center for Disease Control and  Prevention makes four recommendations for preventing falls:

  1. Begin a regular exercise program: They recommend that exercise is one of the most important ways to reduce your chances of falling.  It makes you stronger and helps you feel better.  Exercises that improve balance and coordination (like Tai Chi) are the most helpful. Lack of exercise leads to weakness and increases your chances of falling.  Ask your doctor or health care provider about the best type of exercise program for you.
  2. Make your home safer: Go to this link for a checklist to make your home safer. Http://www.cdc.gov/steadi/patient.html
  3. Have your health care provider review your medicines. Your doctor or pharmacist will assess your medications, even over the counter medications like cold medicines, to identify factors that may contribute to falling.  Some medications can make you drowsy or light headed which may lead to a fall.
  4. Have your vision checked: Poor vision can increase your risk for falls.  Check with your eye doctor for ways to optimize your vision.

 

See Your Physical Therapist:

 

Summit Rehabilitation Associates physical therapists are specifically trained to assess your fall risk and will establish an appropriate program that will reduce your risk for falling.