Preventing Falls in the Elderly

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Preventing Falls in the Elderly

• Eastern PA EMS Council, Boyertown Ambulance and
  The Boyertown Senior Citizens Center

G. Kurtz
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One out of every 10 people over the age of 65
will visit an emergency department for a fall
this year.
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In people over age 65, falls account for

• One out of every 5 visits to the emergency
  department
• More than HALF of all emergency department visits
  for any kind of injury
• Over 2 MILLION visits to the emergency department
  a year!

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What is a fall?

• When someone strikes the ground or other hard
  surface.

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Falls

• Most (80!) happen in the home.
• Most (75!) happen while we are only standing or
  walking. Less than 10 of these are on the
  stairs or ladders.

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Injuries from falls in people over 65

• 5 result in fractures of the hip, pelvis, back
  or wrist.
• Over 10 of patients are admitted to the hospital.

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And after a fall, seniors are

• More likely to fall again.
• 4 times as likely to need to go to a nursing
  home.
• In pain for months after the fall.

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Things that can cause falling

• Previous falls
• Medications that cause sleepiness or low blood
  pressure
• Poor vision

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More

• Confusion or dementia
• Foot Problems, like arthritis or bunions
• Balance problems from a stroke or ear problem.

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Seniors are.

• Less able to protect themselves.
• We react more slowly.
• Medications, Parkinsons Disease
• We have less strength and flexibility.

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Seniors are also

• Generally frailer
• Osteoporosis weaker bones
• Thinner skin
• Less muscle mass

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SoWhat can we do to prevent injuries?
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Try Not To Fall!

• Wear your glasses and get your eyes checked!

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PLAN not to fall!

• Remove dangerous items!

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PLAN Ahead.

• Talk to your doctor about your medications!
• Ask about vitamin D and calcium.

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PLAN Ahead..

• Add supports or ramps where you need them!

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PLAN Ahead..

• Work to improve balance and flexibility.

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PLAN Ahead..

• Use plenty of lights!
• During the day
• During the night

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PLAN Ahead..

• Change burned out lights!

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PLAN Ahead..

• Use a night light, and have a flashlight handy
  every where in your home!

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And you know what really works?
EXERCISE!
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The more we move, The better we are at it!
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Exercise Works!
More motion means .... more motion!
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Exercise Works!
More Balancing Means... B e t t e r B a l
a n c e !
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Exercise Works!
The more muscles we have, the less frail we are.
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Exercise Works!

• All kinds of exercise!

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Exercise!
Choose an exercise that you like.
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Flexibility Training Works The Best!
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Strength Training Is Good Too.

• This is harder, but it builds muscle mass that
  will help if you do fall.
• But you dont need to lift weights to build
  muscle!
• A evening walk will help.

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This is great for strength and flexibility.

• Three times a week is great!

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Exercise with a Friend!
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Stay Active.
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Be Sure To..

• Warm up, cool down and include stretching in your
  exercise routine.

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Keep Your Brain Active!
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Visit with Friends Often.
Come to the Senior Center Often!
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In Other Words..

• Start Moving!

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But..What if I do fall?
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You need to call for an ambulance if.
You have a head injury that causes you to be
unconscious, dizzy or nauseous
or if you have blurred eyesight or severe
headache.
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You need to call for an ambulance if.
There is bleeding that you cannot stop.
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You need to call for an ambulance if.
There might be any broken bones.
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How to call 911
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Calling 911

• Dispatchers are trained to help give care over
  the telephone
• When you tell the dispatcher the problem, he or
  she may be able to help you with giving the right
  kind of care to the person.

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Calling 911

• Tell the dispatcher you need an ambulance.

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Calling 911

• Try to explain the problem in simple words.
• Never hang up the phone until the dispatcher
  hangs up first.