Part of the reason for my visit
is to spend time with her and celebrate her birthday, but the other part is to
be there when the home health agency sends a nurse to evaluate her for home
physical therapy. My grandmother
has had three falls in the past year and fortunately did not break a hip. Falls in the elderly are very
common and more times than not result in hip fractures which then leads to a
fast decline in health. The rate
of deaths associated with hip fractures and falls in the elderly is extremely
high. Therefore, it is very
important to try to prevent falls.
Here are a few things that can
help prevent falls in the elderly:- Routine physician visit to screen for things that can affect balance such as:
- vision screening
- hearing screening
- going over medication list for interactions and medicines that impair mental function
- taking vitamin D may help with prevention of fractures
- Maintenance of strength, agility, and balance
- daily exercise is key
- sometimes physical therapy is needed
- Making the home environment more safe:
- remove rugs and other items that can trip patient – often home agencies can send nurse to evaluate the home and make suggestion
- avoidance of stairs – best if can be on one level instead of having to go up and down stairs often throughout the day
- adequately light walkways
- Using assistant devices
- install hand rails
- raise toilet seats with arm rests
- grab bars for showers and tubs
- plastic seat for shower and handheld shower head for washing
- use of walkers and canes
