October 3, 2006

Aging Connection

Falls and safety in the home

By Vivian Silva
Special to the Times

“Tell everyone you know over the age of 50, they should stay off those ladders,” the neurologist suggested when told I was a gerontologist. The leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for those 65 and older in the United States are falls in the home.

A client’s 83-year-old father had dementia but he still got on the ladder to trim his backyard trees. My suggestion was to get rid of the ladder and hire help or have a family member or friend take over the trimming.

The incidence of falls for the oldest seniors (age 85 and older) may occur due to medical problems or increased use of drugs and related substances. The fact that more frail elders are living longer also increases the risk of falls and injuries.

Compared to the past, older adults (ages 65-75) have actually improved their health and functional capacity, thus, partaking in more activities that also put them at risk. We also must not overlook the added concern that alcohol and psychotropic drugs might also contribute to the increase in falls.

Conditions of immobility:

- Bone and joint problems such as arthritis, sprained or broken bones, and rheumatism

- Strokes may weaken or paralyze one side of the body due to brain or nervous system damage

- Loss of strength due to an illness, hospitalization, or surgery

- Glaucoma, macular degeneration, or cataracts can cause poor vision putting older adults at risk for falls

- Shortness of breath and weakness due to heart or breathing problems such as COPD and emphysema

- Diseases of nervous system such as Parkinson’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis and ALS

Safety tips for home:

- Check if railings on stairs and handles in bathroom are secure

- Secure loose wires to molding or wall

- Carpet edges should be firmly fixed to the floors

- Floors should not have a slippery finish

- Replace burned out light bulbs and add extra lights in especially dark areas

- Clear clutter and keep floors clear of shoes

- Use non-slip mats in bathroom and other areas that might get wet

- Temperature should be comfortable to avoid dizziness

Personal precautions:

- Ask doctor about side effects of medications as some can affect balance and coordination

- Stretch every day (move every muscle and joint) to maintain flexibility

- Exercise everyday (chair exercises help too)

- Take your time when getting up out of the chair to avoid dizziness

- Wear well-fitting and comfortable slippers and shoes with non-skid soles

- Be extra careful when outdoors on wet or icy sidewalks

- Limit your alcohol use

- Schedule regularly vision and hearing exams

- Pay extra attention to location of pets to avoid tripping over them (watch their long leases as well)

Call for immediate help when a fall causes severe pain, unconsciousness, heavy bleeding or broken bones. If in doubt, call 911.

Falls less severe should be brought to the doctor’s attention. These may signal an undetected medical problem. Don’t wait, be safe and help prevent a potential disaster.

To submit a question for the “Aging Connection” column e-mail Gerontologist/MSW Vivian I. Silva at vivsilva@aol.com. To make an appointment with the Geriatric Advisory Program at the Almaden Valley Counseling Service call (408) 975-2988.