Preventing Accidents to Older People
Falls Prevention
Background
Falls represent the most frequent and serious type of accident in the over 65s age group. They are a major cause of morbidity and death in older adults.
Falls experienced by older people are more common among those with a longstanding illness or disability and the injuries sustained are generally more serious than those experienced by young persons.
Types and locations of falls
The largest proportion of falls is due to falls from stairs or steps with over 60% of deaths resulting from accidents on stairs. 15% of falls are off a chair or out of bed (on two levels) and a similar number are caused by a slip or a trip on the same level e.g. falling over a mat or a rug.
Risk factors for falls
Research has indicated a wide range of multiple risk factors for falls. These include;
- Physical ability and lack of mobility, balance and gait disorders
- Nutritional status – vitamin D and calcium deficiency
- Medication – analgesics, antidepressants etc
- Acute and chronic diseases and disorders including stroke and heart disease
- Female gender
- Environmental hazards
- A history of previous falls1
Hip fractures
Fractures, particularly hip fractures are one of the most debilitating results of an accidental fall. Ninety per cent of hip fractures occur among those aged 50 and over.2
Hip fracture is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. It can result in medical complications, infections, blood clot in the leg and failure to regain mobility.
The increased popularity of hip protectors has been very useful in preventing the severity of a falls related injury. Click here to read further about the effectiveness of hip protectors.
Preventing Falls – Advice Tips
- Nail or tape down the edge of rugs to avoid slips and trips
- Minimise bending/climbing.
- Have a letter tray and rack fitted for deliveries
- If you must climb, use proper steps.
- Get up from chairs/ bed slowly.
- Have regular eye tests.
- Avoid trailing clothes which may trip you up
- If prescribed medication is making you feel dizzy, keep taking it, but consult your GP
What to do if you have a fall
- Don’t panic – you will probably feel a little shocked and shaken but try and stay calm.
- If unhurt look for something to hold onto and something soft to put under the knees
- Hold onto a firm object for support and out the soft object under the knees; place one foot flat on the floor with the knee bent in front of the body.
- Lean forward putting weight on hands and foot until it is possible to place other foot beside the one on the floor.
- Sit down and rest for a short time
What to do if hurt
- Try to get comfortable until help arrives
- Keep warm, starting with feet and legs.
- It is uncomfortable to keep still for any length of time and this may lead to pressure problems. Moving position every half hour and moving feet helps the circulation and improves comfort
1 Health Education Authority. The role of physical activity in the prevention and management of falls and accidents among older people. London: HEA, 1999
2 Department of Health. Fractures caused by osteoporosis. London: DoH, 1999 (http://www.doh.gov.uk/osteop.htm)
|
RoSPA is a registered charity: Registered Charity No: 207823 Patron: Her Majesty the Queen RoSPA Head Office: Edgbaston Park, 353 Bristol Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7ST, UK |
 |