Bursack: Falls Prevention Week Highlights Need For Education, Medical Guidance

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Dear Carol: I’m a single, aging woman who has always lived alone. I’ve loved my life working, volunteering and being involved with friends. Unfortunately, I’ve fallen twice this month, both times at home. Thankfully, I wasn’t injured. The first was due to tripping, but the other time was not explainable. My checkup is scheduled for next month, and I don’t sense this is an emergency. However, you’ve helped me in the past, so I’m wondering if you have tips that can highlight some safety steps for me while I wait. I look forward to your thoughts.

– ET

Dear ET: I’m sorry about your falls. It’s obvious you understand that one bad fall can end a person’s cherished independence, and that’s scary. Determining the reason behind your falls is important, so it’s good to hear you’re getting a checkup.

Aging is a significant risk factor for falls, but there are ways to mitigate the risk:

Start by looking over your home for hazards. These include cords, scatter rugs, poor lighting, steps with no rails or grips, showers or baths without grab bars and surfaces that become slippery when wet. Depending on your home there may be others, so it can be useful to ask your doctor for a referral to have an occupational therapist (OT) or fall prevention specialist visit your home. Medicare will often cover this if prescribed. Consider your shoes. You might need to settle for more supportive, if less stylish, footwear. That goes for winter boots, as well. Have your vision and hearing checked. There are excellent, free videos featuring fall prevention exercises on YouTube. Those that are run by physical therapists (PTs) are best. Additionally, an in-person evaluation by a PT could prove invaluable. PTs are trained to detect weaknesses and provide exercises to improve your strength and balance. Mention any knee or hip pain while there. If you experience dizziness or vertigo, mention that, as well. Most PTs can test for and treat paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) which happens when ear crystals slip out of place. Treatment is usually covered by Medicare, though it might require prior authorization. You could wait until your checkup, or if you’re eager to get going, send a message to your physician documenting your falls and request PT support. Much depends on your insurance and whether your doctor is onboard with your getting started right away. When you see your doctor, you should discuss your medications. Many drugs are anti-cholinergic, therefore bad for aging brains. They can contribute to memory problems and cause falls, so, when possible, alternatives should be considered. Additionally, older people need to be careful not to have their blood pressure fall too low, so if you take related medications, your doctor might want to re-evaluate those. Electrolyte imbalances, as well as for anemia, are other areas for consideration. Any of these issues can contribute to your fall risk.

Falls Prevention and Awareness Week begins Sept. 22, so your note is perfect timing, ET. I hope you find an easily correctable cause.

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