Assisting Hands-Hinsdale offers advice for protecting seniors against falls

September 22 is Fall Prevention Awareness Day. Each year, one in three people age 65 experiences a fall serious enough to require medical attention. Falls can lead to hip fractures and other serious injuries. In many cases, the resulting disability makes it impossible for a person to continue to live independently. Falls are also the leading injury-related cause of death in older adults.

Since 2007, Medicare has been trying to encourage seniors to get a "Falls Risk Assessment" done if: 1) they have fallen more than once in past 12 months; 2) they have fallen and been injured (bruises count!); 3) Have a fear of falling. People over the age of 65 are at the highest risk for a fall or dizziness-induced injury.

“As families have discovered, falls can lead to serious injuries, such as a fractured hip or concussion, and can have devastating effects on older adults leading to less mobility, loss of independence and even death. And for assisting living facilities, injuries due to falls may keep a patient from returning after hospitalization,” said Richard Ueberfluss, PT, FACHE, President of Assisting Hands® Home Care-Hinsdale.

Ueberfluss outlines five myths relating to home falls.

Myth #1: Falls are just a part of growing older, and it is expected

Fact: It is not normal for seniors to fall, and falls can be attributed to a number of underling reasons, including: using medication incorrectly, which may lead to dizziness; dizziness/vertigo attributed to an inner ear (vestibular) disorder which can be corrected without medication; deteriorating vision which may be attributed to the wrong eyeglass prescription or glaucoma or cataracts; joint pain, numbness or shortness of breath when walking may signal a higher risk for falls; poor nutrition often contributes to falls, this also holds true for blood sugar changes in diabetics.

Myth #2: Most falls happen outside of the home

Fact: Over half of all falls take place right in the home. Falls are most common when seniors are unattended by caregivers. If a family member is unavailable, hiring a home aide can provide back-up 24/7 if necessary. It is simply not acceptable to have so many seniors hurt as a result of falls.

Myth #3: A medical condition is usually the reason for home falls

Fact: One of the most important steps you can take to cut your fall risk is to do a regular home safety inspection. Look for hazards, such as rough floor surfaces, clutter, throw rugs, and poor lighting. Make simple home modifications, such as grab bars in the bathroom, a second handrail on stairs, and non-slip paint on outdoor steps.

Myth #4: It's hard to predict home falls

Fact: In addition to taking the prevention steps outlined above, caregivers can identify other fall risks. For example, bruises and cuts may signify previous falls that the senior is not willing to talk about; growing inactivity actually increases the risk and may occur because a senior has a fear of falling. Avoid this "cycle of inactivity” because it will reduce the reserve of energy, muscle tone and alertness in seniors.

Myth #5: Muscle strength and flexibility, once lost, can never be regained.

Fact: While it is true that as we age, we lose 20 to 40 percent of our muscle tissue, and become less limber, exercise can at least partially restore strength and flexibility. An exercise program will benefit a senior in many ways—not the least of which is protecting against falls. Four types of exercise all work together in an effective fall prevention exercise program:: Aerobic exercise, which improves cardiovascular fitness and brings more oxygen to the brain; strengthening exercises, which build the muscles; Balance exercises (such as tai chi) , which help improve "proprioception"—our sense of body placement; and Flexibility exercises, which help keep us limber by stretching the ligaments.

“Fall Prevention Awareness Day is a good time to evaluate a senior and their environment to prevent falls. Stopping one fall can help stop one visit to the emergency room,” adds Ueberfluss, whose home aids are trained in fall prevention.

For more information, call 630-321-9000 or visit Assisting Hands® online at: assistinghands.com/hinsdale