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By Gabriella Ambrosi
Sequoia Senior Solutions

For seniors who live alone, the loss of independence often begins with a fall. Each year one out of every three seniors who live at home will experience a major fall. The likelihood of falling is even greater for those who are 75 or older. About 70% of accidental death in people over the age of 75 results from falls. Fear of losing one’s independence over a fall is well justified, as 40% of all nursing home admissions are attributable to repeated falls at home. Survivors of falls often experience debilitating fractures of the hip, wrists or spine.

Falling may be due to a variety of factors, such as medications, poor lighting or clutter in the house, slowed reflexes, weakness, low blood pressure, and visual deficits. Conditions like osteoporosis, Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease increase the risk of falling. Seniors who are taking multiple medications, especially if prescribed by different physicians, should consult their primary care provider or pharmacist at least once a year to check for medication validity and possible side effects. Multiple medications can cause dizziness, drowsiness and balance problems. It is important to have an annual eye exam.

Falls in the home may be prevented by wearing well fitting slippers with non-skid soles and night clothing that does not hang on the floor. It is important for seniors to tell their doctor if they feel weakness or any other problem with their legs and feet.

Ideally, all seniors should have their bathrooms equipped with grab bars. A tub chair and a hand held shower make it possible to shower while sitting. Walking space should be clutter free. Hallways and stairwells should be well lit. Adding bright tape strips to the edge of each stair will increase visibility. A charged flashlight near the bed will help in case of emergency. A night light in the bathroom can also make night trips to the bathroom safer.

What should you do in case you fall? First, try not to panic. Overreaction to a fall may cause more injury than the fall itself. Take a few minutes to determine if you are hurt. Do not attempt to get up if you feel you are injured. If you are hurt, use your emergency alarm (Life Line) if you are wearing one. If not, call out for help or slide to the telephone and dial 911. If you can, move to a soft surface such as a carpet. Keep yourself warm until help arrives. Lying in one place too long may cause pressure sores and/or hypothermia. Rolling side to side will unload your bodyweight and may prevent pressure sores from developing. Moving your arms and legs, if possible, will help maintain body temperature until help arrives.

If you are not hurt, roll over on your stomach and attempt to get on to your hands and knees. Crawl to a stable piece of furniture, such as a bed, a stool or a chair without rollers or casters. Approach the support from the front and place both hands on the surface. Place the foot of your stronger leg flat on the floor. Lean forward as you begin to push yourself up with your hands while bringing your feet side-by-side. Slowly turn and sit in the support. Collect yourself before you attempt to get up again.

To receive a FREE Risk Assessment Interview as well as outline ways to minimize your risk, or to receive the FREE Fall Prevention video please call Sequoia Senior Solutions at (707) 763-6600.