$Unique_ID{BRK01399}
$Pretitle{Accidents, Poisoning, and Violence}
$Title{Tips on Preventing Falls in the Elderly}
$Subject{falls aging prevention}
$Volume{O-23}
$Log{
Vertigo*0007501.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Tips on Preventing Falls in the Elderly


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QUESTION:  Mother came to live with us recently.  However in the past four
months she has had four bad spills.  We are quite concerned, and would like
some tips on preventing additional accidents.  Can you help?

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ANSWER:  Since falls are a major medical health problem for the elderly,
prevention is obviously very important.  However, before preventive measures
can be taken, it is important to determine the causes of these repeated
spills, which aren't always easy to diagnose.  Most patients who fall
repeatedly attribute their falls to tripping, but this is rarely the case.
There can be environmental, physical, or psychological factors contributing to
these accidental "spills" and doctors need to investigate many possibilities
before an appropriate evaluation can be made.
     Since the home is the most common site for accidents, home hazards should
be considered.  Slippery floors, loose or torn rugs, and poor lighting are all
dangerous, and safety measures such as providing handy light switches and good
illumination should be taken.  Installing handrails for toilet, bath and
stairways, and making floors, bathtubs, and carpets nonslip are good
precautions as well.  Be sure to show mother the changes you've made and
explain that there use can help prevent these accidents.
     When physical causes are suspected, doctors will perform a complete
physical exam as well as investigate cardiac and neurologic concerns.  They
should also probe the patient's medical history and determine if they are
taking any medications that can possibly be linked to the problem.
     Impaired vision or hearing, stiff joints, weak muscles and impaired gait
are other factors that may contribute to a fall.  To pinpoint potential
problems, the patient should be questioned about palpitations, pain,
dizziness, and shortness of breath.  If such factors are present, simple
tests, such as monitoring cardiac rhythms, can be provide the needed clues.
Balancing exercises may help patients with vertigo, and some patients benefit
from sleeping with their head raised or by resting in a sitting position for a
few minutes before they stand or walk.
     Many elderly people who fall have multiple problems, and without knowing
your mother's particular medical history, it is difficult to offer you more
specific advice.  I suggest you talk things over with her, encourage her talk
about any problems that may not be readily noticeable and suggest she get a
complete physical exam.  Her falls may not have any serious underlying
complications, but there's no harm in seeking a professional consultation.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
