{"id":770,"date":"2016-04-20T16:34:36","date_gmt":"2016-04-20T20:34:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.freedomshowers.com\/?p=770"},"modified":"2023-05-18T16:06:49","modified_gmt":"2023-05-18T20:06:49","slug":"what-happens-when-seniors-fall","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.freedomshowers.com\/blog\/what-happens-when-seniors-fall\/","title":{"rendered":"What Happens When Seniors Fall?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;\" class=\"sharethis-inline-share-buttons\" ><\/div><h4><strong>We all know someone who has experienced a significant fall. And that\u2019s no surprise, as more than <span style=\"color: #286cba;\">1<\/span>-in-<span style=\"color: #286cba;\">3<\/span> people aged <span style=\"color: #286cba;\">65 years<\/span> and older fall each year in the U.S.<\/strong><\/h4>\n<p>When you are young, minor falls are a natural part of exploring the environment around you. But as we age, falls become increasingly more serious. Older adults often have farther to fall, unpracticed reflexes, decreased bone strength, as well as reduced natural healing abilities.<!--more--><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>More than<span style=\"color: #286cba;\">\u00a02 million<\/span> older adults go to the emergency because of a fall.<span style=\"color: #286cba;\"><a style=\"color: #286cba;\" href=\"#_edn1\" name=\"_ednref1\">[i]<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<li>Falls are the <span style=\"color: #286cba;\">leading cause<\/span> of accidental death for those 65+ in the U.S.<\/li>\n<li>The <span style=\"color: #286cba;\">7<sup>th<\/sup> leading cause<\/span> of death for those 65 or older is falling<\/li>\n<li>More than <span style=\"color: #286cba;\">95%<\/span> of hip fractures are caused by falling<span style=\"color: #286cba;\"><a style=\"color: #286cba;\" href=\"#_edn2\" name=\"_ednref2\">[ii]<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Emergency room trips from falling are all too common. Many of these accidents lead to major injuries\u201a and are often a top reason aging adults end up in care facilities. It\u2019s a myth that falling is a natural part of aging, and although it\u2019s important to be concerned, most falls are preventable with proper planning.<\/p>\n<p>The likelihood of falling depends on a number of risk factors. Read below as we outline the physical and environmental risk factors.<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #286cba;\">Why Do We Fall?<\/span><\/h3>\n<h4>Physical<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Simon Fraser University researchers found that seniors shifting their weight and losing balance caused <span style=\"color: #286cba;\">41% of falls<\/span>.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #286cba;\">Muscle weakness<\/span>, <span style=\"color: #286cba;\">reduced flexibility <\/span>and <span style=\"color: #286cba;\">endurance<\/span> are physical risk factors that can come from a lack of exercise and\/or various medical conditions.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #286cba;\">Postural Hypotension<\/span> (or <span style=\"color: #286cba;\">head rush<\/span>) is a sudden drop in blood pressure caused by dehydration\u201a certain medications\u201a diabetes an\/or other medical conditions. Head rush typically occurs when suddenly standing from a sitting or lying position\u201a which causes dizziness.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #286cba;\">Foot\u00a0pain<\/span>\u201a <span style=\"color: #286cba;\">numbness<\/span> or <span style=\"color: #286cba;\">wearing unsafe footwear<\/span> can cause unsteadiness or tripping.<\/li>\n<li>Reduced vision\u201a depth perception\u201a cataracts or glaucoma\u201a can make it <span style=\"color: #286cba;\">difficult to see hazards or steps<\/span>. Multi-focal glasses can also cause confusion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h4>Environmental<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Simon Fraser University researchers also found that a foot getting caught on a table or chair leg cause caused <span style=\"color: #286cba;\">25% of falls<\/span>.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #286cba;\">Poor lighting<\/span> hides tripping hazards.<\/li>\n<li>Loose rugs and clutter.<\/li>\n<li>Trying to carry too much.<\/li>\n<li>Not having <span style=\"color: #286cba;\"><u><a style=\"color: #286cba;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.freedomshowers.com\/Bathroom-Grab-Bars\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">grab bars<\/a><\/u><\/span>\u00a0or proper railings.<\/li>\n<li>Bathtub or shower step is <span style=\"color: #286cba;\">too high to step over safely<\/span>.<\/li>\n<li>The shower <span style=\"color: #286cba;\">floor is slippery<\/span>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #286cba;\">How to Fall-Proof your Home<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><em>Once you have identified your personal risk factors, you can create a prevention plan. Here are some simple and effective ways to make your home fall-proof.<\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Remove hazards\u201a like <span style=\"color: #286cba;\">clutter<\/span>\u201a <span style=\"color: #286cba;\">cords<\/span>\u201a and <span style=\"color: #286cba;\">loose rugs<\/span>. Arrange furniture to allow a lot of room to walk around.<\/li>\n<li>Improve lighting\u201a by adding <span style=\"color: #286cba;\">higher wattage bulbs<\/span>\u201a make sure burnt out bulbs are replaced right away.<\/li>\n<li>Add <span style=\"color: #286cba;\">additional lighting<\/span> at stairways\u201a entrances and in the bathroom. Make sure you have sufficient light by your bed and that you can easily reach the on\/off switch. Have a charged flashlight by the bed for power outages.<\/li>\n<li>Install an <span style=\"color: #286cba;\"><u><a style=\"color: #286cba;\" href=\"https:\/\/freedomshowers.com\/Handicapped-Accessible-Showers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Accessible Shower<\/a><\/u><\/span>\u00a0for safer bathing. Replacing your shower space with a shower base brings it level with the bathroom floor. A beveled edge keeps the water out, but allows wheelchairs to roll-in with ease.<\/li>\n<li>If you are having difficulty getting in and out of your standard bathtub, but still prefer bathing to showering, a<span style=\"color: #286cba;\"> <u><a style=\"color: #286cba;\" href=\"https:\/\/freedombathtubs.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Walk in Bathtub<\/a><\/u><\/span>\u00a0may be the solution.<\/li>\n<li>Move daily items to make them easier to reach. Use carts to transfer heavier items like groceries.<\/li>\n<li>If your home has stairs to the entryway <span style=\"color: #286cba;\"><a style=\"color: #286cba;\" href=\"https:\/\/freedomliftsystems.com\/Wheelchair-Lifts-for-Homes\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"><u>Residential Porch Lifts<\/u> <\/a><\/span>could be a safer option.<\/li>\n<li>Install <span style=\"color: #286cba;\">handrails<\/span> and <span style=\"color: #286cba;\"><u><a style=\"color: #286cba;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.freedomshowers.com\/Bathroom-Grab-Bars\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Grab Bars<\/a><\/u><\/span>\u00a0in areas that can help you stand from a sitting position\u201a also install them in the shower for stability.<\/li>\n<li><span style=\"color: #286cba;\">Carry a portable phone <\/span>with you around the house.<\/li>\n<li>If you live on your own, arrange for someone to <span style=\"color: #286cba;\">call or visit daily<\/span>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #286cba;\">What to do if you Fall<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><em>It\u2019s important to have prevention techniques, but sometimes there\u2019s nothing you can do. If you find yourself off balance or you trip, it\u2019s best to be prepared. Here is what to do if you have fallen.<\/em><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><span style=\"color: #286cba;\">Remain still<\/span> for a minute or so. You could very likely be in a state of shock.<\/li>\n<li>Determine if you are injured <span style=\"color: #286cba;\">before trying to get up<\/span>\u201a so you don\u2019t cause more damage by moving too quickly.<\/li>\n<li>If you think you are able to get up safely\u201a roll onto your side and rest again while your blood pressure stabilizes.<\/li>\n<li>Slowly get up on your hands and knees and crawl to a sturdy chair. <span style=\"color: #286cba;\">Use the chair for support<\/span> as you slowly get up\u201a then sit in the chair and rest.<\/li>\n<li>If you are injured\u201a try to get comfortable and call for help if you can.<\/li>\n<li>Even if you weren\u2019t injured in the fall, <span style=\"color: #286cba;\">be sure to tell your doctor<\/span>. Falls can be a sign of new medical issues or that your medications or eyewear prescription needs to be adjusted.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>As we age the possibility of falling increases as does the likelihood of more serious injuries. Nonetheless, being aware of the risk factors, fall-proofing your home, and having a plan of action can mitigate a lot of the risk and visits to the emergency.<\/p>\n<p>We at the Freedom Blog hope these tips can help create a safe and worry-free home for you or your loved ones.<\/p>\n<p>Do you have a falling experience you want to share? Or do you have any tips to add? Please comment below, we\u2019d love to hear from you.<\/p>\n<p><em>If you enjoyed this post, please consider sharing it on Facebook or Twitter below<\/em>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>P.S.<\/strong> <span style=\"color: #286cba;\">We\u2019d love to meet you on <strong><u><a style=\"color: #286cba;\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/FreedomShowers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Twitter here<\/a><\/u>\u00a0<\/strong>or on\u00a0<span style=\"text-decoration: underline; color: #286cba;\"><strong><span style=\"color: #286cba; text-decoration: underline;\"><a style=\"color: #286cba; text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Accessibility-Professionals-Inc-198494526882839\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Facebook here<\/a><\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #286cba;\"><a style=\"color: #286cba;\" href=\"#_ednref1\" name=\"_edn1\">[i]<\/a><\/span>\u00a0Senior Health &#8220;About Falls&#8221;<span style=\"color: #286cba;\">\u00a0<a style=\"color: #286cba;\" href=\"https:\/\/go4life.nia.nih.gov\/preventing-falls\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/go4life.nia.nih.gov\/preventing-falls\/<\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #286cba;\"><a style=\"color: #286cba;\" href=\"#_ednref2\" name=\"_edn2\">[ii]<\/a><\/span> Hayes WC, Myers ER, Morris JN, Gerhart TN, Yett HS, Lipsitz LA. Impact near the hip dominates fracture risk in elderly nursing home residents who fall. Calcif Tissue Int 1993;52:192-198.<\/p>\n<div style=\"margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;\" class=\"sharethis-inline-share-buttons\" ><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>We all know someone who has experienced a significant fall. And that\u2019s no surprise, as more than 1-in-3 people aged 65 years and older fall each year in the U.S. When you are young, minor falls are a natural part of exploring the environment around you. But as we age, falls become increasingly more serious. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":5966,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[99,142,98,133],"tags":[75,73,89,87,67,70,88,86,54,68,69],"class_list":["post-770","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-accessible-home-for-aging-in-place","category-health-and-well-being-for-aging-americans","category-lifestyle-for-aging-in-place","category-senior-safety","tag-accessible-bathroom","tag-ada-shower","tag-fall-prevention","tag-falling-injuries","tag-grab-bars","tag-handicap-shower","tag-prevent-falls","tag-senior-falls","tag-seniors","tag-walk-in-bathtub","tag-walk-in-shower"],"amp_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freedomshowers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/770","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freedomshowers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freedomshowers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freedomshowers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freedomshowers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=770"}],"version-history":[{"count":19,"href":"https:\/\/www.freedomshowers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/770\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5845,"href":"https:\/\/www.freedomshowers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/770\/revisions\/5845"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freedomshowers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5966"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.freedomshowers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=770"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freedomshowers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=770"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.freedomshowers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=770"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}