Falls are multifactorial: involving, or dependent on several factors or causes. There are a number of possible contributors to falls that we often overlook that are essential to overall health, mobility, balance, and independence.
From our experience as Care Managers, we know how important it is to schedule regular check-ups, especially as we age. There can be a ripple effect if we aren’t careful. Vision, hearing, and foot care all play key roles in health maintenance and fall risk prevention. Our eyes, ears, and feet also support our ability to get regular exercise. And regular exercise can contribute to so many positives: strength, balance, overall well-being, appetite, mental acuity and cognition, a good night’s sleep.
Eye exams. Make this part of your annual health care. See your optometrist immediately if you notice changes in your vision. There are several eye diseases and vision changes that may develop as we age. Your optometrist can identify and help you address and manage these conditions.
Screening for hearing loss. Untreated hearing loss can lead to significant challenges. Moderate to severe hearing loss in older adults is associated with significantly higher impairment in instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), such as driving and managing medications or finances, as well as impairment in basic ADLs such as ambulation, bathing, and toileting.
Foot care. Foot self-care can be beneficial in preventing foot problems; therefore, it can promote older people’s wellbeing and their ability to manage at home. Maintaining foot health by caring for one’s feet and choosing suitable footwear can also prevent falls. Sometimes a condition like neuropathy, which can cause foot numbness, weakness, and pain. It can cause discomfort and unsteadiness as you walk and contribute to falls.
Footwear. Important to wear comfortable, non-slip shoes. Our feet are so important. Balance, walking comfort, mobility support, inserts. Poor footwear has been found to contribute to falls in older people.
A good night’s sleep. Sleep is when the body rests and repairs itself. If the quality or duration of our sleep is interrupted, it can impact our health. If you are not getting regular, complete sleep, it can contribute to tiredness, fatigue, dizziness, or drowsiness.
Medication management and review. We sometimes experience multimorbidity, the presence of two or more long-term health conditions, and, therefore, polypharmacy, the simultaneous use of multiple drugs by a single patient, for one or more conditions. Take medications as prescribed. Medication reviews can help address concerns about drug interactions. If you’ve added a new medication and side effects are interfering with mobility or cognition, consult the prescribing physician or your pharmacist.
Alcohol intake. As we age, alcohol metabolizes differently in our bodies. Mixing alcohol and medications can be an issue too. And alcohol consumption can also contribute to dehydration. Important to monitor and balance these.
Assistive devices such as canes and walkers. Use what is recommended and understand how to use it properly. You want to use the correct device, so it doesn’t create a hazard.
Encouragement. Just because you have had one fall doesn’t mean you are going to have more falls. Use it as an opportunity to invest in some good falls prevention strategies like home modifications, a visit to your healthcare provider to address concerns, do a safety check, follow recommendations for assistive devices. The goal is to stay safe and independent.
Physical Therapists. If your healthcare provider has made a referral to a Physical Therapist, take advantage of all they have to offer. Physical Therapists can make a world of difference in helping you with exercises to get stronger, more active, improve balance. They can do a home assessment and offer guidance on how to improve safety and mobility. Physical Therapists can also help with selecting and properly using assistive devices.
Exercise programs designed expressly for older adults. We are fortunate to have senior centers and community recreation programs that offer exercise programs tailored for 50+ adults. Look for programs like EnhanceFitness and SilverSneakers.
Concerned about fall risk for yourself or someone your care about? Schedule a free get-acquainted call with one of our Certified Care Managers to get the conversation started. Click here to schedule a call today!