Preventing Geriatric Falls

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths for individuals ages 65 and older. Falls are a common occurrence among this age group, as 1 of 3 seniors experience one each year. Those who survive the experience often require hospital treatment for moderate or severe injuries such as hip fractures, head traumas and lacerations.

Some fall-related injuries are unavoidable. However, encouraging seniors to develop some relatively simple habits can reduce the overall likelihood of such injuries from occurring.

Elderly Falling Prevention Tips

Awareness: Whether at home, in the yard or on the sidewalk, it is important for seniors to look where they are walking to avoid tripping over obstacles or uneven surfaces. Walking slowly will help them maintain their footing as well as allow them to better prepare for any situations that might lie ahead.

Rest, Healthy Eating and Hydration: A lack of sleep can have a major impact on a person's performance, regardless of their age. This is especially true for seniors, who are less likely to be aware of objects that are obstructing their walking path when tired. Being properly hydrated and eating nutritious meals is also vital in maintaining an optimal energy level.

Eliminating Clutter: Getting rid of excess furniture and smaller items that could easily escape the vision of older adults will help eliminate the potential for injury. Consider rearranging or removing some of the furniture in a senior's home to increase the amount of walking space available throughout the house.

Senior Alarm Systems

Most fall-related accidents among seniors occur in the home. While a majority of older adults cherish their independence and prefer to live at home, nearly 40 percent of seniors who experience hip fractures after suffering a fall require nursing home admission.

While there is no solve-all to the fall problem, research has shown senior medical alert systems help reduce the number of major injury occurrences among older adults. A study conducted by the New England Journal of Medicine found users of elderly alert systems had fewer and shorter hospital stays compared to non-users. Findings from another study concluded home medical monitoring systems cut morality rates and
hospital visits by nearly 60 percent.

Decreasing the Chances of the Unexpected

As previously said, there is no stopping the inevitable from happening. Unfortunately, following these tips and purchasing a medical alarm can't impede the natural workings of old age from causing an elderly adult to lose their balance and suffer a fall.

However, as research confirms, what these suggestions can do is reduce the likelihood of falls from happening. And even if that unavoidable fall does occur, having a senior lifeline alert system in place can minimize the potential risk for injury or even death.

By: R.Clark

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Rhonda Clark is an Alert1 team member and author of this article about elderly falling, senior medical alert devices and elderly alert system. Life-Response offers protection during a personal emergency through 24-hour emergency medical help available at the press of a button.