Avoiding the Big Fall

Take some precautionary measures to improve safety and strength

October 5, 2009

By Susan Jurgelski,
Lancaster Newspapers Staff Writer

Eighty-three-year-old Louise Black, a feisty, former English professor and actress, has always maintained a rapid, purposeful pace.

"I started walking when I was 8 months old, and I've walked fast ever since," said the Brethren Village Retirement Community resident.

But in the last year, after being sidelined by 12 falls, some of which resulted in broken bones, she has had to slow her stride.

"I've been a 'champion' faller," she said wryly. "I remember each fall. The feeling of going down ... it's frightening."

Now, Black uses a walker, has eliminated falling hazards in her home and even underwent a surgical procedure to improve her balance.

"I just have to walk more deliberately, with more consciousness," said Black, who is still living independently in her own village cottage. "But you can't sit back and just feel sorry for yourself. You've got to keep going."

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the top cause of accidents in people over the age of 65 - and a leading cause of death.

In fact, the death rate from falling has risen dramatically for the elderly since the 1990s, probably due to people living longer with chronic illnesses.

"(Falls) are very common as people get older, and more frail," said Dr. Matt Beelen of Geriatric Specialists.

He cites a variety of contributing medical factors, including medication, muscle, bone, vision, hearing, heart and neurological problems.

People with dementia are particularly at risk, he said, because they may not have good judgment and safety awareness.

It's always important for seniors to get a thorough medical overview, he said, especially if they start noticing health-related changes.

At area retirement facilities, staff members are especially sensitive to falling risks in residents and may address prevention strategies in an assortment of wellness programming.

Communities may offer fitness rooms, pools, exercise classes and even walking trails.
"We're continually trying to educate our residents about fall prevention," said Diane Gergal, director of home health at Brethren Village.

Recommended aids may include grab bars in the bathroom or a cane or walker.
If a resident falls, staff will try to determine the cause and provide more prevention information.

Seniors who enter skilled nursing care at Landis Homes Retirement Community are thoroughly assessed for falling risk and are assigned a number based on that risk as an assessment tool, said Ethel Caldwell, administrator for health care.

Prevention strategies may include lowering beds closer to the floor, placing a mat beside the bed and rearranging the room to provide clearer paths, especially to the bathroom.
Betty Sementelli, Lancaster County Office of Aging senior center supervisor, believes communitywide fall prevention education is important.

Last year, the county office of aging offered Healthy Steps for Older Adults, a fall-prevention initiative through the Pennsylvania Department of Aging.

The program provided assessment, education and follow-up to participants at senior centers and other outreach sites, she said.

"We screened a lot of people in the community," she said.

In the fall, the hope is to expand the program beyond senior centers to other sites in the county, she said.

The program is also a fitting adjunct to the exercise program, Healthy Steps in Motion, in place at the nine office of aging senior centers.

In January, the Manheim Township Ambulance Association launched Prevent Falls Before Calls, a prevention outreach program serving the Manheim Township community.
Association members visit seniors at risk for falling, show them different ways to avoid falls, and connect them with companies which can provide adaptive equipment, said James Weber, association wellness coordinator.

"We're seeing thousands of people who fall," Weber said. "The idea is to help people age in place."

In addition to implementing basic in-home safety precautions - including removing clutter and hazards like throw rugs - exercise is a good prevention tactic to keep bones and muscles strong and healthy, Beelen said.

"Any type of exercise program that works on strength and balance is helpful."

A recent study conducted in England even concluded that seniors who played video games with the Nintendo Wii could improve balance and help lower the risks of falling.
Once seniors fall, they may have a real fear of falling again, so they may believe they can't do certain things they used to do, Caldwell said.

But some form of activity, within medical constraints, is important, Beelen said.
"Staying active is key."

Practicing in-home fall prevention:

• Remove things you can trip over (such as papers, books, clothes and shoes) from stairs and places where you walk.
• Remove small throw rugs or use double-sided tape to keep the rugs from slipping.
• Keep items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without using a step stool.
• Have grab bars put in next to your toilet and in the tub or shower.
• Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.
• Improve the lighting in your home. As you get older, you need brighter lights to see well. Lamp shades or frosted bulbs can reduce glare.
• Have handrails and lights put in on all staircases.
• Wear shoes that give good support and have thin, non-slip soles. Avoid wearing slippers and athletic shoes with deep treads.
• Coil or tape cords and wires next to the wall so you can't trip over them.
• Fix loose or uneven steps.
• Never use a chair as a step stool.
• Get up slowly after you sit or lie down.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

sjurgelski@lnpnews.com

© 2009 Lancaster Newspapers

Return to News Article Listing

back  |  printer-friendly version