HEALTHY LIFESTYLE · SEPTEMBER 2018
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FALL PREVENTION
FOR OLDER ADULTS
F
alls are the leading cause of injuries for
people 65 and older. Once a person
experiences a fall, it can limit mobility
and independence, which can decrease the
ability to perform everyday tasks.
INJURIES SUCH AS JOINT
SPRAINS, DISLOCATIONS
OF THE SHOULDER AND
HIP, AND FRACTURED
BONES ARE TYPICAL
INJURIES CAUSED BY FALLS.
BACK, SPINAL CORD, AND
HEAD INJURIES CAN ALSO
BE CAUSED BY FALLS.
With falls being the leading cause of fatal and
nonfatal injuries in older adults, it’s important
to not only understand the common reasons
for falls, but also to know the typical injuries
resulting from falls and how rehabilitation
services can help.
Even if a fall doesn’t result in an injury, it can
still cause fear in an individual and hinder the
Common causes of falls may include:
individual’s independence can be beneficial
ɫ ɫ A decline in physical fitness
for someone who has experienced a fall.
ɫ ɫ Impaired vision
Rehabilitation services can help a person
ɫ ɫ Medications
regain strength, alleviate pain, and recover
ɫ ɫ Chronic diseases
other abilities that are essential to overall
ɫ ɫ Surgical procedures
well-being and independence. In addition,
ɫ ɫ Environmental hazards - A majority of
physical therapy plays a key role in helping to
falls in the elderly population occur in or prevent future falls by improving movement,
around the home and are attributed to
balance, and agility. At Weslaco Rehabilitation
poor lighting, clutter, loose carpets, slick Hospital, LiteGait® technology helps patients
floors and lack of safety equipment.
safely improve balance, gait and functional
independence without the risk of falling.
30 HEALTHY MAGAZINE
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TO HELP PREVENT FALLS
AT HOME, CONSIDER
THE FOLLOWING HOME
MODIFICATION TIPS:
Keep rooms free from clutter
Install handrails, raised toilet
seats, grab bars and shower
mats
Light up dark areas of the home
Remove or tape down any loose
carpets or electrical wires
Ensure telephones can be easily
reached from the floor
Replace chairs that are too low
to the ground or difficult to get
out of
Install night lights throughout
the home, especially in
bathrooms and stairwells
In addition to home modifications, a change
in wardrobe also can help in preventing falls.
Wear sensible, non-slip footwear and avoid
wearing loose clothing. Make sure to also talk
with your family and care providers about
your falling risks.
RASHMI CHANDRAN is the
Director of Therapy at Weslaco
Regional Rehabilitation Hospital.
The hospital provides specialized
rehabilitative care to patients
recovering from disabilities caused
by injuries, illnesses, or chronic
medical conditions. For more information,
visit WRRH.ernesthealth.com, call 956-969-2222 or visit
the hospital at 906 S. James St., Weslaco, Texas.