The reminder comes on the first day of fall, which also marks National Falls Prevention Day
The Times
Each year, the first day of fall, September 22, marks National Falls Prevention Day, and St. Mary Medical Center is taking the opportunity to encourage seniors to learn how they can help prevent falls at home. Falls, defined as the act of unintentionally touching the ground in any way with your head, knee or hand, are the most preventable type of trauma injury among older adults. And yet, falls are the leading cause of trauma at trauma centers across Pennsylvania, including St. Mary.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Council on Aging (NCOA), nearly 2.8 million older adults are treated for fall injuries in emergency departments across the country each year. That is nearly one out of every three elderly adults who will be treated for a fall this year.
The CDC and NCOA also say that every 11 seconds an older adult is treated for a fall, and every 19 minutes an elderly person dies from one. Falls also are costly, with the total cost of care for fall injuries and fall-related deaths, per year, expected to reach $67.7 billion by 2020.
“Falls can have a significant effect on quality of life as they greatly reduce mobility in older adults,” said Kim Everett, trauma prevention coordinator for St. Mary. “Mobility, or the lack thereof, is one of the biggest determining factors for quality of life and life expectancy. Once an elderly loved one falls and sustains an injury, that person’s quality of life and life expectancy is significantly reduced.”
Falls are the most preventable type of trauma. “Falls can and should be prevented, said Everett. “Too often, we think that falls are naturally going to happen or that they are something we just have to get used to as we get older. That’s the wrong mindset. Falls are not an accepted part of aging.”
Everett urges anyone at risk for falls, or who may have a loved one at risk, to follow common guidelines, such as:
- Finding balance or exercise programs to build strength, stability and flexibility.
- Talking to your doctor if you’ve had a recent fall or worry you might have a fall.
- Reviewing medications with your doctor or pharmacist to help you identify medications which may increase your risk for falls.
- Having your ears and eyes checked regularly to ensure you can still see and hear well enough to prevent falls.
- Creating a safe environment by removing or storing items you may trip over.
Oftentimes, older adults believe asking for help from loved ones, doctors and friends means a loss of independence. But according to Everett, that is not the case. “Falls are what makes us more dependent on our loved ones and friends,” she said. “Asking for help before you fall will actually help you avoid having to depend on them later.
“There’s so much older adults can do to prevent falls, said Everett. “It begins with education and making many small changes that add up to a big decrease in fall risk. Search for balance and exercise classes in your area and establish an open dialogue with your family and your doctor.”
For more information about fall prevention, visit www.stmaryhealthcare.org/trauma.
