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Preventing Falls is
Important to Senior Health
By
Nate Murray |
Marshfield - When
you think of your aging loved ones, what do you worry about
most? Is it a heart attack or stroke cutting short their
life, or perhaps cancer? While these illnesses are very real
worries for everyone as they age, it may surprise you to
discover that falls are the second leading cause of
accidental death in the United States and 75 percent of
these falls occur in the older adult population.
Falls are the single largest cause of injury among seniors.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention’s (CDC) National Center for Injury Prevention and
Control, 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 inactivity.
Dr. Roberta A. Newton, Ph.D., Temple University College of
Health Professions in Philadelphia has spearheaded efforts
to study and research why falls occur and how they can be
prevented. Recognizing the importance of preventing falls,
Visiting Angels in Marshfield has partnered with Dr. Newton
to increase the public awareness and importance of this
sometimes overlooked issue.
“As our loved ones age, it is important to recognize that
things like throw rugs that once didn’t warrant a second
thought, now become household hazards,” said Visiting Angels
Managing Partner Nate Murray. “Mobility and agility
limitations 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.
• 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 those old, comfortable but unsafe floppy slippers
for well-fitting slippers with non-skid soles. Also, avoid
night clothing that drags on the ground. |
About The Author
Nate
Murray, LICSW is the managing Partner of Visiting Angels
which serves the South Shore. For more information he may be
reached at (781) 834-6355. Or visit www. visitingangels.com.
To help seniors and their families find out more about falls
and how to prevent them, Visiting Angels conducts free
seminars on the South Shore.
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