Have you or someone you know have a fall that caused injury? Perhaps a loved one seems to be at a risk for falls…
The good news: Licensed physical therapists are the experts at identifying and helping to reduce the risk of falling in older adults by creating an individualized program for each person.
Did you know?
- Falls are the #1 reason why older individuals lose their independence!
- 1/3 of adults over the age of 65 fall each year – and less than half of these people tell anyone about it.
- Over 2 million older adults
- Every 29 minutes an older adult dies from a fall
- 1 out of 5 falls causes serious injury (fracture/head trauma)
- Direct medical costs for injuries related to falls is over $28 billion annually.
Falls Risk Factors:
Resource: www.cdc.gov/injury/STEADI
Most falls occur due to a combination of risk factors, and a risk for falling increases with each fall. Fall risk can be reduced! Falls risk factors are categorized as extrinsic (environmental factors) and intrinsic (those that relate specifically to the individual)
Intrinsic Risk Factors may include:
- Advanced age
- History of falls
- Weakness in the lower body
- Gait abnormalities/difficulties
- Generalized muscle weakness
- Vision deficits
- Postural blood pressure changes with position changes (postural hypotension)
- Balance deficits
- Conditions such as: stroke, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, arthritis, incontinence (in a hurry to get to the bathroom), dementia
- A persons fear of falling actually increases the risk
- Depression
Extrinsic risk factors may include:
- Home environment: stairs, lack of grab bars in bathroom, throw rugs, pets, dim lighting
- Slippery surfaces
- Polypharmacy: the more medications you take daily, the more likely your risk of falling.
- Certain types of medications create more risk than others (psychoactive meds-aka benzodiazepines, “sedatives” and sedating meds-tylenol PM, benadryl, and any medications having anticholinergic side effects-ex: blurred vision)
- Improper use of assistive device or improper device for level of weakness/function.
What can you do to reduce your risk?
- Begin an individualized exercise program designed by a physical therapist to improve your strength and balance
- Review your entire medication list with your physician or pharmacist
- Annual eye examinations – update eyewear
- Reduce extrinsic risk factors at home: remove tripping hazards such as clutter/throw rugs, put railings or grab bars on all stairs and in bathrooms, improve lighting in all rooms
**Sports PT is committed to reducing Falls in the community and September 22rd is Falls Prevention Day. Each Sports PT location is serving their community with a Falls Risk Assessment that week. For more information on Falls Risk Assessment in your area, please contact us at [email protected] .