FALL INJURIES AND THE ELDERLY

The home is a potentially dangerous place, especially for the very young and elderly.  The most significant cause of injury is falls.  Many injuries caused by falls require admission to a hospital.  The purpose of this flyer is to help educate the elderly and their loved ones about fall injuries, and to help reduce the number of fall injuries in our community.

Fall Injuries and the Elderly
  • Falls are most common among the elderly, and account for the majority of injury related visits to the emergency room.
  • Hip fractures are the most common fall related injuries that lead to hospitalization.
  • Approximately 200,000 hip fractures occur per year in the United States, and 90% of hip fractures are the result of a fall.
  • Length of stay for a hip fracture in the elderly is almost double that of any other cause for hospital admission.
  • Falls are the 5th leading cause of death in people over age 65.
  • Approximately 35% of older people who fall die within a year.
  • 2/3 of those who have fallen once will fall again within the next 6 months.
Signs that a Fall May Be Eminent
  • Reduced Muscle Strength
  • Slower Reaction Time
  • Less Bone Density
  • Reduction in Vision or Hearing
  • Reduction in the Body's Flexing Capabilities
Make the Home a Safer Environment
  • Make sure pants are not too long or wide at the ankles.
  • Make sure shoes fit properly and are comfortable.
  • Make sure there is enough space between furniture to walk, so you don't have to twist and turn to get through.
  • Remove obstructions and eliminate clutter.
  • Remove loose rugs and floor mats.
  • Make sure the home is well lit.
  • Remove electrical cords that extend across the floor.
  • Try and use chairs that have arm rests (This will reduce the amount of stress that is put on the legs when getting up).
  • Do not rush to get to the telephone.
  • Remove all unstable or loose furniture.
  • If you use an assistive device, keep it near you at all times.
  • Invest in a personal help button, this will enable you to call 9-1-1 in case you fall and are unable to get up on your own.
The Plantation Fire Department offers many public education classes, including Fall Prevention.  For more information about this class or others, please call (954) 797-2150.

 

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