Falls: Tips to help a loved one
Each year, 1 in 4 people over the age of 65 fall. 30-50% of falls result in injuries including minor cuts, bruises, fractures, head injuries and even death. It is estimated that fall injuries costs nearly $50 billion a year, as a large percentage of people who fall are hospitalized and discharged to a nursing facility.
So, what causes people to fall? Disorientation/confusion, medication side effects, liquid on the floor, missed step, poor lighting, weakness, dizziness, trips on cords or other items on the floor, and possibly patient attempts to get up/transfer without assistance. Falls can happen privately or even right in front of a caregiver. They can happen very fast or what seems like in slow motion.
Let’s talk accident & prevention. An accident is an unfortunate incident that happens unexpectedly and unintentionally, typically resulting in damage or injury. Prevention is the action of stopping something from happening or arising. Here are a few helpful tips to help prevent accidental falls:
- Being aware of your surroundings and or taking the extra effort to prevent and accident can save: time, money, injury, and the possible life changing consequences of a fall.
- Take care of yourself too! Get help with transfers, lifts, showers or any time that you think a situation is going to be too heavy or complicated.
