Resource Library

For many elderly people, the home can be a hazardous place. Homes with loose throw rugs, runners and mats, curled carpet edges, poor lighting, electrical cords, slippery uncarpeted floors and stairs can turn into booby traps.

Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for persons 65 years of age and older in the United States. Hip fractures, a major complication of falls in the elderly, occur in more than 250,000 Americans each year, mostly those who are 65 and older.

Older people are more likely to have health problems, to be taking medications that can impair their balance, strength, or vision and have osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a condition that weakens the bones, making them more susceptible to breaks. Tai chi is a form of martial arts exercise that has been shown to reduce the risk of falls in the elderly.

Preventing falls
Preventing falls is key to avoiding injury. Weak bones are slow to heal, so even a minor fracture can be disabling to an elderly person. To prevent falls:

• Get rid of rugs or cords that might trip you.
• Have someone install sturdy handrails on all stairways and grab bars in bathrooms.
• Cover stairs with non-slip treads.
• Use nightlights and make sure hallways, stairs and doorways are well lit.
• Do not wax floors.
• Always clean up spills as soon as they happen.
• Keep often-used items within reach.
• Remove clutter.

Get some physical activity
Physical activity can increase your strength and improve your balance and coordination. But, check with your health care provider before you start or increase your activity level. Ask about taking part in balance and mobility programs.

Check your medications
Any time you get a new prescription for any condition, ask your pharmacist or health care provider about side effects such as dizziness or blurred vision that may upset your balance.

Dress right
Wear low-heeled shoes with rubber soles for good traction. Avoid slippers, shoes with leather soles or high heels. Ask your health care provider about assistive devices such as walkers or canes.

Drink moderately, or not at all
Not only does alcohol interfere with healthy bone formation, but drinking alcohol can make you unsteady and put you in danger of falling and fracturing your bones. Alcohol can also interact poorly with many medications.

Sources: Fall Prevention Center of Excellence. Basics of fall prevention. Accessed May 27, 2008. National Osteoporosis Foundation. Fall prevention. Accessed May 27, 2008. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Self reported falls and fall related injuries among persons aged 65 years [or older] - United States, 2006. March 7, 2008. vol 57, No. 9. Accessed May 27, 2008. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preventing falls: What works. A CDC compendium of effective community-based interventions from around the world. Accessed May 27, 2008.

Disclaimer: The text presented on these pages is for your information only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. It may not represent your true individual medical situation. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting a qualified healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns.

Copyright © 1999-2008 Medical Network Inc. All rights reserved. No part of the contents of this web site may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the written permission of the publisher. "HealthAtoZ.com" should be prominently displayed on any material reproduced with the publisher's consent.