Preventing Falls in the Elderly

Eastern PA EMS Council, Boyertown Ambulance and

The Boyertown Senior Citizens Center

G. Kurtz

One out of every 10 people over the age of 65 will visit an

emergency department for a fall this year.

In people over age 65, falls account for:

One out of every 5 visits to the emergency departmentMore than HALF of all emergency department visits for any kind of injuryOver 2 MILLION visits to the emergency department a year!

What is a fall? When someone strikes the ground or other hard surface.

FallsMost (80%!) happen in the home.

Most (75%!) happen while we are only standing or walking. Less than 10% of these are on the stairs or ladders.

Injuries from falls in people over 65

5% result in fractures of the hip, pelvis, back or wrist.

Over 10% of patients are admitted to the hospital.

And after a fall, seniors are:

More likely to fall again.

4 times as likely to need to go to a nursing home.In pain for months after the fall.

Things that can cause falling:

Previous fallsMedications that cause sleepiness or low blood pressurePoor vision

More………Confusion or dementiaFoot Problems, like arthritis or bunionsBalance problems from a stroke or ear problem.

Seniors are….Less able to protect themselves.

We react more slowly. Medications, Parkinson’s Disease

We have less strength and flexibility.

Seniors are alsoGenerally frailer•Osteoporosis – weaker bones

•Thinner skin•Less muscle mass

So…What can we do to prevent injuries?

Try Not To Fall! Wear your glasses and get your eyes checked!

PLAN not to fall!Remove dangerous items!

PLAN Ahead…….Talk to your doctor about your medications!Ask about vitamin D and calcium.

PLAN Ahead…..Add supports or ramps where you need them!

PLAN Ahead…..Work to improve balance and flexibility.

PLAN Ahead…..Use plenty of lights!

During the dayDuring the night

PLAN Ahead…..Change burned out lights!

PLAN Ahead…..Use a night light, and have a flashlight handy every where in your home!

And you know what really works?

The more we move,

The better we are at it!

Exercise Works!

Exercise Works!

Exercise Works!

The more muscles we have, the less frail we are.

All kinds of exercise!

Exercise Works!

Exercise!

Choose an exercise that you like.

Flexibility Training Works The Best!

Strength Training Is Good Too.

This is harder, but it builds muscle mass that will help if you do fall.But you don’t need to lift weights to build muscle!A evening walk will help.

This is great for strength and flexibility.

Three times a week is great!

Exercise with a Friend!

Stay Active.

Be Sure To…..

Warm up, cool down and include stretching

in your exercise routine.

Keep Your Brain Active!

Visit with Friends Often.

Come to the Senior Center Often!

In Other Words…..

Start Moving!

But..What if I do fall?

You need to call for an ambulance if…….

You have a head injury that causes you to be unconscious, dizzy or nauseous

or if you have blurred eyesight or severe headache.

You need to call for an ambulance if…….

There is bleeding that you cannot stop.

You need to call for an ambulance if…….

There might be any broken bones.

How to call 911

Calling 911Dispatchers are trained to help give care over the telephoneWhen you tell the dispatcher the problem, he or she may be able to help you with giving the right kind of care to the person.

Calling 911Tell the dispatcher you need an ambulance.

Calling 911Try to explain the problem in simple words.

Never hang up the phone until the dispatcher hangs up first.