Falls in the Elderly
Q1. Why do older people tend to fall more often?
Elderly individuals are more prone to falling as they age. This could be due to muscle loss, joint degeneration, and slower reactions. The risk also increases with deteriorating vision and hearing, which results in poorer cognitive function and judgment in the elderly.
Q2. Why do falls have such a big impact on older people and their physical abilities?
When older people are taking antiplatelet medications or anticoagulants, falling can be especially dangerous because it can lead to increased bleeding. In case of bone fractures or internal bleeding in the brain, falls can have a long-term impact on the physical functions of the elderly, affecting their mobility, thinking skills and self-care abilities.
Q3. How can we help when an older person falls?
First, we need to check if they are able to stay conscious, and if they have obvious injury or pain. We also look into what might have caused them to fall, like feeling dizzy or any other kind of discomfort. Then we will check their blood pressure and pulse to see if it is too high or too low, or if their heart rate is too fast or too slow, as these things could be related to the fall. If they have diabetes, we also have to measure their blood sugar levels, because falls are often linked to low blood sugar levels.
Q4. Should seniors seek medical attention if they do not have any severe injury after a fall?
It is important for seniors to see a doctor and get checked out after a fall, since they may not be able to explain their discomfort. Some of them may try to downplay the injuries and act like everything is fine. Doctors will assess their degree of injury and why they fell in the first place, whether it is due to health problems, side effects of medications or environmental factors.
Q5. When are older persons most likely to fall?
Elderly people most often fall while getting out of bed or standing up after sitting, especially when they wake up to go to the toilet at night. They also tend to fall outdoors while walking on uneven, dim, or reflective surfaces, in crowded areas, wet and slippery markets, or while using stairs and escalators.
Q6. How to prevent elderly falls?
We can take proactive steps to help each person based on their personal risk profile. For example, we can help them improve their vision and hearing, keep blood pressure and blood sugar under control, and organise their medications and pain management. It is also important to evaluate their individual needs and suggest using a crutch or walker if necessary. Keeping their home tidy and installing lights in the corridor to the bathroom and handrails in the bathroom can help preventing accidents. Carers should be there to support the elderly if they lack self-care ability.
Seniors should also be more aware of the risk of falling. They should try to get up slowly from bed and exercise regularly, take medications as per instructions, and avoid making any change to the dosage. They should also beware of home safety, and keep the bedside and floor free of clutter. It is particularly important for them not to reach up or squat down. To ensure safety, they should pay attention to the condition of the road and sidewalks, other pedestrians, and stairs while going out.
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