Thedacare: As You Get Older, Take Steps To Avoid Travel And Falls

Stumble, stumble, fall. What may seem like a minor incident can quickly become serious, especially for older adults. That's why ThedaCare is sharing tips to help people get back on their feet.

Consider the following statistics. Falls Free Initiative:

• Older adults (65 and older) fall every second of every day in the United States.
• More than a quarter of Americans over the age of 65 fall each year.
• More than 3 million falls-related injuries are treated in emergency departments each year, resulting in more than 800,000 hospitalizations and 32,000 deaths.
• Each year, falls result in approximately $50 billion in medical costs associated with nonfatal fall injuries and $754 million in medical costs associated with fatal falls.

“As the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries in older adults, falls are a serious problem,” he said. amy sextona ThedaCare physical therapist working at. Peabody Manor In Appleton. “The good news is that people can take some steps to prevent these accidents.”

The change of seasons from summer to fall is the perfect time to learn the importance of taking a proactive approach to avoiding falls, she said.

Why do falls occur?

Age-related changes such as muscle weakness, balance problems, and declines in vision, hearing, and cognition can all increase the risk of falls. Certain medications can also cause dizziness and light-headedness, including medications for depression, sleep disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.

Environmental hazards such as poor lighting, loose or untidy rugs in the home further increase the risk.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists additional risk factors, including:

• weakness of the lower body
• vitamin D deficiency
• Difficulty walking and balancing
• foot pain
• poor footwear
• excessive alcohol intake
• Memory loss/dementia

Falls can cause not only physical damage, but also psychological damage.

“The fear of falling is real for many older adults,” Sexton says. “This can lead to them shying away from physical activity and social engagement, leading to a decreased quality of life.”

Avoiding activity can lead to a less active lifestyle, social isolation, depression, and feelings of helplessness.

“We want people and their loved ones to know that older adults can lead healthy, active and social lives while reducing their risk of falls,” she says. “By following a few basic tips, you may be able to avoid potential trips and falls.”

Steps to reduce risk

Sexton recommends the following fall prevention strategies:

• Please continue your daily care. Discuss fall risk, medication side effects, and recent falls or near-falls with your health care provider during your annual checkup.
• Stay active. Activities such as walking, swimming, yoga, and tai chi can improve strength, balance, and coordination. A physical therapist can help design a personalized exercise program.
• Choosing the right shoes. Wear sturdy, flat shoes with non-slip soles and avoid walking in socks or slippers.
• Keep your home safe. Remove trip hazards, add non-slip mats, improve lighting and install night lights in hallways and bathrooms.
• Use auxiliary and safety equipment. Depending on your individual needs, canes, walkers, handrails, stair rails, shower seats, and handheld nozzles can provide additional stability and security. Theda Care at Home We not only offer a wide range of auxiliary and safety equipment, but also professional guidance from our experts.

“Staying active and social as we age is critical to our health and well-being,” Sexton says. “Fear of falling shouldn’t get in the way of that, and your doctor and their team will help you make sure you take all steps possible to prevent falls.”

If you are concerned about trips and falls, we encourage you to visit MyThedaCare and schedule an appointment with your primary care provider or physical therapist.

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