by Kathy Frodahl, president, CEO
New England Home Health Care
A slip or fall can be a serious matter. Reduction in bone density and decreased muscle strength and-or tone put the elderly at a higher risk for injury. For some people a decrease in bone density can be a normal process of aging or it may be related to a medical condition such as osteoporosis. Muscles tend to lose strength and flexibility with age.
Older adults greatly value their independence. One fall can significantly limit the elderly to remain independent. An individual who has a history of falling is two to three times more likely to fall
again. A hip fracture is a common but serious and potentially life-threatening injury among the
elderly. According to the Center for Disease Control, 90 percent of hip fractures occur among people age 65 or older. Approximately 24 percent of people more than 50 years old who suffer from a broken hip die within 12 months of the injury. Slips and falls also can lead to other problems such as loss of independence, depression and fear. The individual may limit normal activities that they love out of fear of falling again.
Certain conditions can place people at a higher risk for falls:
• Poor eyesight or hearing may keep people from seeing or hearing a hazard.
• Balance problems resulting from head injuries, infections or other disturbances in the inner ear or dizziness from standing up too fast.
• Numbness or neuropathy in the lower limbs resulting from arthritis, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, stroke or a recent surgery.
• Medications can sometimes affect judgment, coordination and balance.
• Alcohol use.
• Depression or stress can make people preoccupied and less alert.
Fortunately there are some things you can do to prevent falls:
• Make sure walkways are clear.
• Make sure electrical cords are kept out of the way.
• Remove scatter rugs. If you insist on keeping them, make sure they are tacked down or
secured with nonskid pads.
• Install handrails on both sides of stairways and on outside steps.
• Make sure stairways are well lit with a light switch at the top and bottom of the stairway.
• If stairs are wooden, install nonskid treads and mark first and last step with a colored
• Keep a night light in the bedroom, bathroom and hallways.
• Install grab bars for tub or shower.
• Use a shower chair or bath bench.
• Install non slip bath strips or mats in the tub or shower.
• If needed, use a raised toilet seat.
• Install a hand-held shower nozzle.
• Use an assistive device if recommended by your health care provider.
• Consider an emergency response device.
• Clean up spills immediately.
• Keep frequently used items within easy reach. If you need to climb to reach, use a sturdy
step stool with handles on each side.
• Wear sensible shoes; avoid high heels, floppy slippers and slippery soled shoes.
• In winter months, wear ice grippers on your boots.
• Exercise regularly and do 15 minutes of strength training every other day to help keep muscles toned.
• Get adequate calcium and vitamin D from food or supplements.
• Get regular checkups from your healthcare provider. Make sure they know about all of
the medications you are taking and report any side effects.
You can prevent most slips and falls by taking these simple precautions. Stay safe and keep
Kathy Frodahl is director of nursing, president and CEO of New England Home Health Care.