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Subject: Preventing Falls |
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1. Topic-
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| Preventing Falls in the Elderly |
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2. Content-
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The health and wellness of seniors who have recently fallen not
only to prevent additional falls but to prevent the falls altogether.
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3. Goals: Aims/Outcomes-
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1.maximize mobility 2.reduce the threat of falls and their complications
3.maintain independence
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4. Objectives-
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1. medical approach
2. rehabilitative approach
3. environmental approach
4. behavioral approaches.
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5. Materials and Aids-
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-Recap
-Activities such as assessments
-Home Safety Checklist |
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6. Procedures/Methods-
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A. Introduction-
Falls have many different causes and elders may have several predisposing
fall risk factors. Assessing all fall risk can help elders prevent
falls which is the focus of this discussion.
Examples of risk factors for falls:
- poor vision
- orthostatic hypo- tension
- cognitive impairment
- gait/ balance distur- bances
- muscular weakness
- degen- erative joint disease of hips/knees
- foot disorders
- peripheral neuropathy
- bladder dysfunction
- polypharmacy (multiple medications)
Quick Facts about falls in the elderly
- The risk of falling increases with age and is greater for women
than for men.
- Two-thirds of those who experience a fall will most likely fall
again within six months.
- A decrease in bone density contributes to falls and resultant injuries.
- Failure to exercise regularly results in poor muscle tone, decreased
strength, and loss of bone mass and flexibility.
- At least one-third of all falls in the elderly involve environmental
hazards in the home.
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B. Development-
Many fall risk factors can be reduced through simple actions.
1. Exercise is one of the best ways to reduce your risk of falling.
Begin an exercise program. You can start by ask your doctor or healthcare
professional about the best type of exercise specifically for you.
Exercise is specific to fall prevention because help increases ability
to balance and increases your strength. An easy way is to join an
extra curricular activity you enjoy doing to get that 30 minutes of
physical activity such as dancing, gymnastics or swimming.
2.Regularly check your medications with your doctor and/or pharmacist.
Some medications can increase your risk of falling. If you are on
four or more prescription medications taken on a regular basis or
any medication that reduces your alertness or balance (sleeping pills,
etc.) talk to a health care professional immediately about your increased
risk of falling. Keeping up to date with your medications will make
you more alert about your state of mind and will help prevent falls.
3.Osteoporosis is a preventable disease,so maintaining strong bones
will help reduce the chance of injury with a fall. Speak to a health
care professional to ensure you are getting enough calcium and vitamin
D to maintain bone strength. Additional information can be found on
Joint-Osteoporosis Center website.
4. Many falls are caused by hazards in or around the home. Ensure
your home is safe by:
- Keeping floors and walkways clear and free of hazards.
- Improving lighting in areas of the home used most often
- Consider having bars in the bathroom and/or shower to assist with
standing
- Consider installing railings on both sides of the stairs.
5.Poor vision is also another factor can increase your risk of falling.
Yearly vision check ups are recommended for people over the age of
65. It is important to have a good vision |
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