Preventing Falls as You Grow Older

Community Contributed

By Jon Mikami, RPh, and Kelly Go, RPh, Molokai Drugs, Inc.

Whether it simply bruises your ego or breaks a bone, taking a fall is no fun. Each year, one in three seniors 65 and older experiences a fall—a number that has grown in recent years. For people in this age group, falling is the leading cause of injury and injury-related deaths.

Whether due to concerns about independence or worrying others, however, fewer than half these people tell the doctor about their falls. But that could add insult to injury because one fall may lead to another fall.

Don’t keep it a secret. Be upfront with your doctor and get orthopedic care. Provide details about when, where, and how you fell. We can help you pinpoint the problem and suggest changes you can make. For starters, falling might be due to a chronic health condition, an infection, a balance disorder, vision problems, muscle weakness or medications.

Stay healthy. Even simple lifestyle changes can make a difference in preventing falls. This includes maintaining good physical condition with exercise, sleep, and nutrition.  Also, stay well hydrated with plenty of water. And limit alcohol, which can slow your reflexes and throw you off balance.  Wear properly fitting, sturdy shoes with nonskid soles and toss out shoes with slick soles.

With your doctor’s permission, engage in exercise that improves strength, flexibility, balance, and gait. This might include walking, water workouts, yoga or stretching. Is a fear of falling keeping you stuck in your easy chair? Your doctor may suggest physical therapy or a guided exercise program.

Review your meds. Here’s where we can help. Make a list of your medications. We can review this list with you (and your doctor), discuss any side effects you are having, and decide whether it makes sense to change your medications. Of course, don’t make any changes without first having a conversation with your doctor.

Here are a few more ways to help prevent falls at home:

• Clean up spills right away.
• Remove throw rugs.
• Clear newspapers and electrical or phone cords from walkways.
• Use nonslip mats in the bathtub and shower.
• Put nightlights in hallways, bedrooms, and bathroom.
• Keep flashlights in easy-to-reach places.
• Turn on lights before going up or down stairs.
• Install handrails on both sides of stairways.

You may consult professional companies for more staircase designs that will suit your needs, visit Bespoke Staircase for more info. Also, consider having safety grab rails Melbourne that can assist the elderly in moving easily.

Has your doctor suggested an assistive device such as a cane or walker—but your pride won’t quite allow it? It may help to focus on how this can keep you more independent.

Other assistive devices can also help prevent falls, including a raised toilet sea with armrests, shower or tub grab bars or a shower seat and health-held shower nozzle.

Nothing herein constitutes medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, or is a substitute for professional advice.  You should always seek the advice of your physician or other medical professional if you have questions or concerns about a medical condition.