Many older people assume that falling is just part of aging, but that’s not the case.
In fact, we, as physical therapists, know that there’s a lot you can do to remain steady on your feet as you get older. According to the National Council on Aging, one in four Americans age 65 and older falls every year, and falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans.
What causes falls? There are lots of reasons someone may fall — balance and inner ear disorders, side effects from prescription and/or over-the-counter medications, poor vision, age-related changes in depth perception, and environmental hazards such as throw rugs, uneven flooring, poor lighting or clutter.
The best way to address your fall risk is to consider many factors, especially if you have already fallen one or more times. Think about where and when you have fallen: Were you at home? Was it dark? Did you trip on something? Are you taking a medication with dizziness listed as a side effect? Once you’ve answered these questions, work to change the things that are putting you at risk of falling.
Start with looking closely at your home environment.
Think about what caused your fall or contributed to it. Minimize floor clutter and consider a night light for hallways or dark areas. If medication is a concern, talk with your primary care provider or specialist about other possible medication options without dizziness as a side effect. You can also ask if balance training or therapy sessions, offered by physical therapy centers, might help you. Your provider can give you a referral to physical therapy.
If you haven’t fallen before, do as much as you can to prevent it. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2.5 million older people are treated in emergency rooms for fall injuries each year. Be sure to have your eyes checked annually to be sure your eyeglass prescription is as up-to-date as possible. If you have low vision, assistive devices, like large grip grabbers and push-button switches that can attach to lamps, are available to make your daily activities and environment as safe as possible.
Because more than half of all falls take place at home, staying home is not necessarily going to keep you safe from falling. So keep moving — the more physically active you are, the better your strength and balance will be. If a walking aid such as a cane or walker has been recommended for you, be sure you are using it and using it correctly.
If you’re a family member or friend of an older person, start the conversation about falls before they happen. Begin by letting the person know you care about his or her well-being, ability to keep moving and independence. You can offer to assist with home safety measures such as adding bathroom grab bars, applying non-skid paint to outdoor steps or helping to complete a survey of the living space to check for hazards such as loose handrails, power cords in traffic areas, throw rugs or dark areas in need of additional light.
Check with your loved one to ensure that frequently used kitchen items are within reach to eliminate the need for step-stools, assess tub and shower surfaces for textured non-slip strips, and ensure that a telephone is within easy reach in as many places in the home as possible.
Fall prevention is a team effort. Discuss the topic with your primary care provider, family members and anyone else in a position to help. Everyone wants to help you maintain your mobility and reduce your risk of falling. Through practical lifestyle adjustments, your chance of experiencing a fall will be greatly reduced.
If you have any questions, related to fall prevention and therapy to help keep you from falling, you can reach me at 865-2155
Sarah Kellogg is the manager of UHS Delaware Valley Hospital’s Physical Therapy Department in Walton.
