Being Proactive to Prevent Falls

Transcription

1 Being Proactive to Prevent Falls

2 Ellen Corman, MRA Injury Prevention Coordinator and April Watson, MPH, RD Community Wellness Program Supervisor San Mateo County Fall Prevention Task Force

3 Falls can have devastating outcomes Decreased mobility Decreased function Decreased independence Death

4 Facts About Falls More than 1/3 of adults age 65 years and older fall each year. 50% of people over 80 fall each year. 2/3 of individuals who survive a hip fracture will not be able to return to their pre-fracture level of function. About ½ of those who fall will fall again!

5 Famous Fallers George Burns died in 1996 at the age of 100 after falling in his bathtub. Newsman David Brinkley died in 2002 from complications from a fall. Ed McMahon fell at home in March 05 and was hospitalized for several days for a concussion. Dr. Robert Atkins, creator of the Atkins diet, died at the age of 72 after falling in front of his home in 2003.

6 Many Falls are Preventable There are things that you can do to prevent falls from happening.

7 Where are We Falling? 60% of fatal falls happen at home 30% occur in public places 10% occur in health institutions

8 How Can Falls Be Prevented? Control the risk factors for falls to significantly reduce the risk of falling!

9 RISK FACTORS FOR FALLS History of falls Lower-extremity extremity weakness Gait and balance disorders Visual deficits Cognitive impairment Depression Polypharmacy (taking more than 4 prescription medications)

10 The risk of falling increases dramatically as the number of risk factors increases.

11 Falls can be prevented by:

12 Other factors contributing to falls Health factors Nutrition Hydration Vision changes

13 Changes in Gait and Balance Some changes are normal with aging: Healthy older adults score 20-49% lower on strength tests than do younger adults. Gait and balance impairments increase risk of falling by 3 times

14 Changes in Vision Multi-focal lenses increase risk for falls tend to impair depth perception. Older eyes Take more time to adjust to changes in lighting -- Ability to adjust to levels of light and darkness diminish Glare sensitivity Loss of visual acuity and contrast sensitivity

15 Positional changes can result in a drop in blood pressure (Orthostatic Hypotension) Being rushed or distracted can increase a person s s chance of falling

16 The number, type and combination of medications you take can increase your risk of falling. Don t t make changes on your own! Talk with your doctor. Medications

17 SAFETY AT HOME Even minor changes in the home can help prevent the next fall.

18 Home Safety Tips Remove throw rugs (or adhere rugs to floor with double-sided tape). Pick up clutter, including dog toys, papers, etc. Remove electrical cords and other hazards. Use handrails on stairs Check your yard for uneven surfaces.

19 Many falls at home occur in the bathroom. Prevention tips Don t t lean on towel bars for support consider installing grab bars. Have non-skid surfaces in shower and tub. Keep floors dry. Wet floors are slippery! Check out raised toilet seats and tub seats.

20 Exercise! Exercise! Exercise! Participate in balance and strength training programs. Tai Chi, aquatic classes, strength and balance classes, yoga, pilates Community classes Do exercises from home Sit and Be Fit Video

21 More Exercise Tips Walk Add weight training to an exercise plan. Talk with your doctor before beginning an exercise program.

22 A Few More Tips Wear sturdy shoes with non-skid, thin soles. Keep emergency numbers near phone. For those who have had frequent falls or severe osteoporosis, hip protectors can be very effective.

23 Farewell to Falls Stanford University Medical Center Trauma Service Ellen Corman, MRA Mature & Secure from Falls Sequoia Hospital Health & Wellness Services April Watson, MPH, RD

24 San Mateo County Fall Prevention Task Force List of Members Alameda County Senior Injury Prevention Partnership Center for Independence of the Disabled City of Daly City, Senior Services Division Family Service Agency of San Mateo County Fitness Empowerment of Active Adults Assoc. Foothill College Adaptive Learning Division Grant Cuesta Nursing & Rehab Center Home Safety Services Menlo Park Fire Department Mills Peninsula Health Services OccuCom,, Inc. Osteoporosis Center of the Peninsula Palo Alto Nursing & Rehab Center Pathways Home Health, Hospice & Continuous Care Peninsula Community Foundation

25 San Mateo County Fall Prevention Task Force List of Members (continued) Peninsula Volunteers Rehab at Home, Inc. San Mateo County Aging and Adult Services San Mateo County Health Department Sequoia Hospital Sequoia Hospital Community Advisory Council Sequoia Hospital Foundation Sequoia Hospital Rehabilitation Department Sequoia YMCA Seton Medical Center, Balance and Mobility Center Spectrum Community Services Stanford Trauma Center at Stanford University Medical Center Veterans Memorial Senior Center, Redwood City Vital Link Emergency Response Systems Wise and Well Program, Mills-Peninsula Senior Focus