Attention: Seniors! Most falls can be prevented

According to the 1998 National Health Interview Survey, the majority (55%) of fall injuries among older people occurred inside the house, whereas an additional (23%) occurred outside but near the house and (22%) occurred away from the home (Kochera, 2002). Other seniors that live in units without stairs are still victim of falling in hallways, bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and living rooms. In the western United States last year alone had 1.3 million seniors hospitalized due to falling related injuries .

A major or minor fall can dramatically change a person's life. Major falls can result in hip fractures, head injuries or even death. In minor falls a person can develop fear of engaging in daily activities, interacting with neighbors or family, feeling unsafe in their own homes, and traveling out doors. In many cases, those who have experienced a fall have a hard time recovering and their overall health deteriorates. Statistics show…..

• More than 40% of people hospitalized from hip fractures do not return home and are not capable of living independently again
• 25% of those who have fallen pass away each year
• On average, two older adults die from fall-related injuries every day in the United States

There are many causes that can be attributed to seniors falling. The following list describes some factors that have been researched in many studies and are associated with falls in seniors.

• Gait or balance disorder
• Visions impairments
• Multiple daily medications (i.e., anti depressants medication, cardiovascular medication, no steroidal anti-inflammatory medication)
• Diabetes
• Being over the age of 75

The good news is that falls can be prevented! Studies have shown that seniors who are educated about the causes and solutions to falling are much less likely to experience fatal or health injuring falls. The first step to preventing a fall is to talk to your healthcare provider and discuss what may be putting your at risk of falling. Once you have an idea of some of the risks and how you might be affected, you can work with your doctor or another health care professional, to modify your lifestyle and living arrangements to prevent falls.

Earlier in this article one of the side effects of minor falls was addressed, it was the fear of an unsafe home. Some environments for seniors can be very hazardous. Many obstacles can be found in the bathroom, kitchen, and stairways. There are also many obstacles outside of the home such as: uneven or cracked sidewalks, curbs, and steps. By making changes to the home a person can feel less at risk of falling. For example, the bathroom can become much safer by installing a grab bar in the shower, or installing a shower seat to sit on. Another option for seniors to solve their mobility problems is checking with their health insurance provider and seeing if their plan covers mobility equipment, such as an electric wheelchair. If there are serious risks of injury, this could be sufficient medical necessity to obtain pre-approval from one's medical insurance provider.

Orbit Medical is a leading provider of electric wheelchairs in the United States. Orbit Medical has helped thousands improve their mobility and transform their lives by providing them with electric wheelchairs. If you are suffering from decreased mobility, an electric wheelchair for little or no cost to you*, might be the solution to help you regain your independence. For more information about the products and services that Orbit Medical offers please contact us at 1-800-388-0957 or www.orbitmedical.com

2005 Fall Prevention Center of Excellence.
Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
* The cost of durable medical equipment is dependent on individual insurance benefits and medical qualifications.