Falls and the Elderly
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Falling and slipping are dangers of everyday living. From the time we are children and throughout our old age, falls can result in mere scrapes and minor bruises or in broken bones, back and neck injuries, concussions and even more serious consequences.
As people grow older, injuries from slips and falls increase. Broken bones can actually be life threatening. Falls can be more severe and spinal injury can cause pain throughout the body. If not checked and evaluated by a doctor such injuries lead to years of discomfort. Treatment is usually effective when examinations are conducted promptly after the injury occurs.
Injuries from hard falls must be given immediate medical attention because of the possibility of broken or chipped bones. Many falls may include trauma to the spine that may impair normal body motion that can continue over years. Injuries of this type often result in chronic back pain and headaches.
The SHCC Centers for Neurology and Pain Management have provided over 20 years of proven treatment for patients with injuries from falls. We offer a team approach that includes neurology, neuropsychology, chiropractic, physical and massage therapies that fit the precise need of each patient. After evaluation, a comprehensive treatment plan will be implemented to relieve the pain and avoid long-term disabilities.
If you have experienced a slip and fall injury call our centers today. Your injury will be evaluated promptly. The SHCC Centers for Neurology and Pain Management are open six days a week, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. On Saturday, by appointment only. We are conveniently located in four areas in Broward and Palm Beach Counties. Call today for an appointment with one of our specialists toll free 866-426-3876.
Steps to prevent falls by the elderly
We at The SHCC Centers for Neurology and Pain Management provide effective treatment for our elderly patients suffering from slip and falls. But we also recognize that older patients can do much to prevent the falls from occurring in the first place. We list below some of the things our patients can do to protect themselves from falling.
A simple fall can mean a major change in someone's life. When an older person falls, she or he might be so hurt that they are no longer able to lead an active, independent life. Each year thousands of older men and women are disabled, sometimes permanently, by falls that result in broken bones. Yet, small changes in homes and lifestyles might prevent such falls.
With age may come changes in vision, hearing, muscle strength, coordination, and reflexes. These changes may make people more likely to fall. Older people also are more likely to have disorders that may affect their balance, and often take medications that may cause dizziness or light-headedness.
Many falls and accidents can be prevented. Each of us can take steps to make our homes safer and lower the chances of falling. Here are some ideas to help prevent falls and fractures.
- Have your vision and hearing tested often.
- Wear properly fitted hearing aids and eyeglasses.
- Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the side effects of the drugs you are taking. Could they affect your coordination or balance?
- Limit how much alcohol you drink. Even a small amount of alcohol can affect your balance.
- Don't get up too quickly after eating, lying down, or resting. Low blood pressure may cause dizziness at these times.
- Be careful about temperature. Being too cold or too hot can make you dizzy.
If you get very hot, especially when taking some drugs, you might get dizzy and faint. If your home is not air-conditioned, keep an electric fan handy for very hot days. At those times, drink lots of liquids and limit exercise. - If your walking is unsteady or if you sometimes feel dizzy, use a cane, walking stick, or walker to help stay balanced. This is very important on uneven or unfamiliar ground. Use special care when walking outdoors on wet and icy sidewalks.
- Wear rubber-soled and low-heeled shoes that fully support your feet. Don't wear smooth-soled slippers or just socks on stairs or waxed floors where you could easily slip.
- Keep up a regular program of exercise. This will help your strength and muscle tone, and keep your joints flexible.
- If you must carry something when going up or down a stairway, keep one hand on a handrail.
- Avoid taking chances. Do not walk on a freshly washed floor or stand on a chair or table to reach something. Use a "reach stick" instead of bending to pick up something from the floor or to reach an item on an upper shelf.
Make your home safe
Many older people fall because of unsafe surroundings at home. Use this checklist to help you safeguard against some likely hazards.
Stairways, hallways, and pathways should have:
- Good lighting and be free of clutter
- Firmly attached carpet and rough texture or abrasive strips to secure footing
- Tightly fastened handrails running the whole length and along both sides of all stairs.
- Light switches at the top and bottom of stair
Bathrooms should have:
- Grab bars placed both in and out of tubs, showers, and near toilets
- Nonskid mats, abrasive strips, or carpet on all surfaces that may get wet
- Night lights.
Bedrooms should have:
- Night lights or light switches within reach of bed
- Carpet or area rugs, only if firmly attached to the floor
- Telephones that are easy to reach, near your bed.
Living areas should have:
- Electrical cords and telephone wires placed away from walking paths
- Rugs well secured to the floor
- Furniture arranged so they do not interfere with walking
- Couches and chairs at proper height to get into and out of easily.
For more information on safety recommendations for your home, write the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. They can also send you a free copy of the booklet Home Safety Checklist for Older Consumers.
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Washington, DC 20207
We're here to stop the pain after you have fallen
If you have experienced a slip and fall injury call our centers today. Your injury can be evaluated promptly. The SHCC Centers for Neurology and Pain Management are open six days a week, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. On Saturday, by appointment only. We are conveniently located in four areas in Broward and Palm Beach Counties.
Call today for an appointment
with one of our specialists
toll free 866-426-3876.
We thank the National Institute on Aging for some of the helpful tips for preventing the elderly from falling.
