Safety Tips to Help Eldery Avoid Falls and Protect Seniors from ...

While traumatic brain injuries can happen to anyone at any time, the majority of these life-altering injuries are caused by falls. Individuals most vulnerable to falls include young children and the elderly. As referenced by the CDC, Centers for Disease Control, annually, one in three persons over the age of 65 fall. And, almost half of all elderly unintentional fall deaths are directly attributable to traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Fall risk increases with age with 50 to 60% of persons age 75 or older falling every year.

In the older adult population as a part of natural aging, the human brain mass gradually shrinks in size over time. This results in more space between the outer lining of the brain and the inner lining of the skull. Within this space there are tiny blood vessels. When falls occur, the brain has more free space to crash against the inside surface of the skull. This can cause a tearing of these tiny connecting blood vessels, a bruised brain or trauma to the surface brain tissue. Sudden seeping of blood into this extra space can occur and have harmful effects on the brain and its function.

TBI can occur in the older adult with the simplest of bumps on the head from getting out of a car, or bumping one?s head in a closet after stooping over and rising too quickly. Another unfortunate, but common, scenario is the older adult who is unsteady on his or her feet or who may become dizzy upon rising quickly from a seated position, such as on the bathroom commode. Many medications that older adults take, such as antihypertensives, can have a side effect of a sudden drop in blood pressure when the person stands up quickly. The drop in blood pressure causes the dizziness and then the person can fall and bump his or her head on the floor or sink. The unsuspecting individual or family members may initially dismiss the fall as a close call because there are no immediate signs or symptoms. Family members and friends of someone who has experienced a fall should watch for sudden changes in behavior over the following 24-48 hours. A change in level of consciousness, weakness on one side or unusual changes in one?s ability to do simple activities such as getting dressed should be evaluated by a physician. Don?t be overly worried, but be very observant of the person who has recently fallen or hit his or her head. Contact the patient?s personal physician and seek medical attention immediately if you observe these or similar symptoms.

Hoosiers in Central Indiana are fortunate to have state-of-the-art brain injury facilities such as Hook Rehabilitaion Center, which provides comprehensive acute rehabilitation programs for TBI patients. However, the cost of treating the long-term effects of these injuries can be financially overwhelming, particularly to the family of an elderly patient who has the responsibility of caregiving for both the aging parent and young children. As a large number of baby boomers approach retirement, family members and caregivers are increasingly faced with finding ways to reduce their risks of accidents, unintentional falls and other avoidable injuries. The first line of defense is in the home, where, according to the CDC, 60% of all falls occur. While treatment for TBI is expensive, prevention is a far more affordable option. The good news is that there are many simple fixes around the house that can help you keep your loved ones safe from falls. Take a look around your home or the home of your elderly family members. Spend a day or week with them to see what sorts of challenges they face in their daily routine. Identify areas that can cause challenges for an elderly person who has limited mobility, who is taking drugs with side effects that may cause weakness, dizziness or impaired vision, or who is just not getting around as easily as they used to.

10 Simple Tips To Make Your Home Safe From Falls

1. Make sure that all stairwells are clear of clutter and that step coverings are well adhered.
2. The bathroom is one of the most slippery and dangerous rooms in the house when it comes to the elderly. Installing grab bars on the walls can provide an extra level of security for seniors as they enter and exit the shower or tub. Using non-slip bath mats or self-adhering bath safety treads in your bathtub or shower will provide extra grip on the slippery, wet surface.
3. Standing for long periods of time can be difficult for the elderly. Keep them safe during their shower by giving them a sturdy shower seat to sit on. Installing a hand-held shower will decrease the need for reaching, which may cause dizziness.
4. Adding a raised toilet seat can help to increase ease of use and will allow your loved one to be more self-sufficient.
5. Place nightlights in the bathroom, hallways and bedrooms.
6. Wear dry, flat, non-slip slippers or shoes in the house. Do not walk around the house in stocking feet.
7. If they are using a walker, you can make steps safer for the elderly by using a portable ramp.
8. Encourage your loved one to be careful by not getting up too quickly, especially after lying down or resting. A security pole can be a great help for people who have trouble standing from a sitting position. It is portable and especially useful when there are no walls for grab bars. If you have concerns about your loved one falling out of bed, consider a low bed, which reduces the possibilty of injuries due to its low-to-the-ground stature.
9. Finally, as a precaution in case of a power outage, keep flashlights handy in easy-to-access places.

By taking simple steps to make a home safer for elderly persons, you can preserve quality of life, a life itself and costs associated with related healthcare services.

Co-written by Beth Buddenbaum, MBA, and Dan Rench, R.N., MS, MBA. The information shared and content posted in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice or treatment from your personal physician or other primary healthcare provider. If you you don?t have a personal physician and would like to make a physician appointment, visit eCommunity.com/physicians.

Source: http://blog.homehealthmedical.com/2012/03/safety-tips-to-help-eldery-avoid-falls-and-protect-seniors-from-traumatic-brain-injury/

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