Fall Prevention

For Seniors
By Annette Bergesen

Fall Statistics

1in3 adults 65+ fall each year.

Every 18 seconds an older adult is in emergency room
because of a fall
Men are 46% more likely to die from falls than women
Women are 58% more likely to experience non-fatal
injury from falls than men
Women are 3X more likely to suffer a hip fracture than
men
People 75+ are 4x more likely to be seriously injured by
a fall than people 65-74
Average cost of a fall is $19,000+
In 2020 the annual cost of falls may reach $54.9 billion

The role of OT practitioners

in fall prevention

Educate clients who are at risk for falls about the physical,
behavioral, and environmental risk factors
Home and safety evaluations
Rehabilitation for clients who have had a fall
Teach clients how to modify tasks to make them safer, and
the use of adaptive equipment
Consulting staff of nursing homes etc.
Addressing fear of falling with clients

Why falls occur

Physical risk factors

Over age 75
Low vision
Arthritis, stroke, Parkinsons, CHF, etc.
Takes 4 or more medications
Dizziness
Balance disorders and gait problems
Foot problems
Low blood pressure
Recent illness or admission to hospital
Cognitive impairment
Muscle weakness
Physically inactive

Why falls occur

Environmental factors

Poor lighting
Throw rugs
Unsafe furniture
Lack of handrails on stairs
Clutter on floor
Unsafe footwear
Uses mobility devices incorrectly

Why falls occur

The fall cycle
Fall
Fall

Increased
Increased
Risk of
Risk of
Falling
Falling

Decreased
Decreased
muscle
muscle
Strength
andStrength
Balance
and Balance

Fear of
Fear
of
Falling
Again
Falling Again

Less
Less
Activity
Activity

Consequences of
Falling
Fear of falling
30-50% of older adults fear falling.

Physical injury
Falls in older adults cause moderate to severe injuries such as a fractures, head
injuries and lacerations. It is the leading cause of accidental death among adults over
65.

Not being able to get up

About half of the older adults who fall cannot get back up without help. The longer
one is down, the greater the risk of medical problems such as pressure ulcers,
dehydration and hypothermia. 62% of fall victims who dont receive help within an
hour wont be able to live independently after recovery

Most common fractures

What to do when a fall

occurs?
Step
Step1:
1:Do
Donot
notpanic!
panic!
Step
Step2:
2:Do
Donot
nottry
tryto
tostand
standup
up
and
andwalk
walkimmediately
immediately
Step
Step3:
3:Stay
Staythere
thereand
andmove
move
hands
and
legs
slowly
hands and legs slowly
Step 4: Call for help if in severe
Step 4: Call for help if in severe
pain or difficulty with movement
pain or difficulty with movement

Getting back up after a fall

Helping Someone Up after a Fall - Yo

uTube [720p].mp4

Preventing Falls

Educate the client;

1. Talk to physicians about medications
2. Get an eye exam regularly
3. Find alternatives for potential risky behavior
4. Maintain a healthy sleep schedule
5. Stay hydrated

Preventing Falls
Home evaluation;
1. Adding support features
2. Using adaptive equipment
3. Removing hazards from the floor, pathways and stairs
4. Moving and doing activities more cautiously

Stay Active
Flexibility

Strength

Balance

References

http://
www.slideshare.net/silverpages/spd-preventing-falls-among-elderly-for-circu
lation
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJxpLidlgvQ https://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=10jR0zjl19Y&list=PLAr_bTlHXcR7I5uSL3gpoy
CHPbPaNs8Q4&index=1
http://www.bayalarmmedical.com/medical-alert-blog/risks-and-costs-of-senior
-fall-injuries
/
http://
occupational-therapy.advanceweb.com/SharedResources/Downloads/2013/1
21613/Fallshandout.pdf
http://
blog.caregiverpartnership.com/2011/09/download-free-guide-to-preventing
.html

Fall prevention for older adults. (2012, January 1). Retrieved April 4, 2015,
from http://
www.aota.org/About-Occupational-Therapy/Patients-Clients/Adults/Falls/FallPr
eventionwithDisabilitiesandOlderAdults.aspx