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Seniors: Are You at Risk for a Fall?

Every 15 seconds an older adult is seen for a falls related injury in an Emergency Department nationwide. Every 29 minutes an older adult dies following a fall. Find out today if your loved one is at risk.

Falls have become the leading cause of fatal injuries and the most common cause of nonfatal trauma hospital admissions. With more than 2 million fall injuries each year, there is a national effort to reduce falls through prevention and awareness. By 2020, the annual cost of falls injuries is expected to reach $54.9 billion.

What are the causes of falls?

  • Poor vision, poor hearing and other normal aging changes.
  • Illnesses that can affect your strength, balance and physical condition.
  • Poor lighting or throw rugs can make it more likely for you to slip or trip.
  • Side effects of medicines can upset your balance and make you fall.
  • Medicines for depression, sleep problems and high blood pressure can cause a fall. Some medicines for diabetes and heart conditions can make you unsteady on your feet.
  • You may be more likely to fall if you take four (4) or more medicines or if you have changed your medicine within the past 2 weeks.

Are you at risk for a fall?

  • Have you had a fall in the past 6 months?
  • Do you have a fear of falling?
  • Do you have problems with your vision?
  • Do you get dizzy or lightheaded when you get out of bed or stand up from a chair?
  • Do you take blood pressure pills, eye drops, pills for the heart, water pills, sleeping pills or pain pills?
  • Do you wear house slippers or loose shoes when walking around the house?
  • Do you rush to get to the bathroom, answer the telephone, or door?
  • Do you use a cane or walker and if so, do you use it all of the time?
  • Do you climb up on a stool or stepladder to reach things?
  • Do you have an older pet?

If you answered yes to one or more of the questions above, you may be at risk for a fall. Visiting Nurse Association of Ohio physical therapists work with patients to improve strength and endurance, instruction on proper fit and use of mobility devices, and techniques for pain and symptom management.

Call VNA of Ohio Today

Learn more about VNA of Ohio rehabilitation services or call us today at 1-877-698-6264.