Every year one out of four older adults, those 65 and older, suffers a fall. 1 These falls can be serious and costly. Many falls do not cause injuries, but one out of five causes a serious injury such as a broken bone or head injury. 2,3
There are many conditions that contribute to falls. Many of these risk factors can be modified or changed to help prevent falls:
Lower body weakness
Difficulties with walking or balance
Some medicines can affect balance and steadiness
Vision problems
Foot pain or poor fitting footwear
Home hazards such as steps, throw rugs or clutter
Most falls are caused by a combination of risk factors. There are several things that can be done to help prevent falls, such as:
Talk with a healthcare provider to evaluate the risk
Do strength and balance exercises
Have eyes checked regularly
Increase safety at home by clearing clutter, adding grab bars if needed, use non-slip mats in tubs and on floors
Make sure there are handrails at all stairs
Make sure there is adequate lighting
If in doubt about safety, check with a health care provider or a physical therapist, who may be able to help with suggestions and a plan for exercises to improve balance and strength. Home health can provide in-home fall-injury-prevention rehab with Medicare paying 100%.
Alexander BH, Rivara FP, Wolf ME. The cost and frequency of hospitalization for fall–related injuries in older adults. American Journal of Public Health 1992;82(7):1020–3.
Sterling DA, O’Connor JA, Bonadies J. Geriatric falls: injury severity is high and disproportionate to mechanism. Journal of Trauma–Injury, Infection and Critical Care 2001;50(1):116–9
