Falls represent a significant health concern across all age demographics, with children aged five to 14 and older adults being particularly vulnerable. Suzanne Butler, the general manager of Injury Matters, emphasizes that it’s time to address this problem. Increasingly for her, she argues it’s the most important for the senior citizen tranche. As just one example, as seniors age, they develop a higher risk of falling, contributing to costly and traumatic injuries and hospital stays.
As the statistics are stark, falls are a cause of 10 percent of all emergency department visits for people aged 85 and over. Knowing where the majority of falls happen most frequently can go a long way in preventing these accidents. Butler points out that the majority of falls occur within the home environment, mainly in the yard/backyard area, then in the bathroom and bedroom.
The Prevalence of Falls and Their Consequences
Falls are now a growing epidemic, affecting everyone from toddlers to the elderly. As Butler points out, it’s seniors who are most at risk. “We know one in three people aged over 65 years will have a fall every year,” she states. This shocking figure emphasizes the need for preventive efforts to help prevent older adults from falling.
Older adults aged 65 and over represent over two-thirds of all falls emergency department visits leading to hospitalization. This is an age group that is acutely sensitive to the hazards of falling. Not only do these incidents lead to longer recoveries, but an increased dependence on others for activities of daily living. Butler explains, “But we know that there’s a significant impact on the person who has a fall and their family and community, and there is a really significant impact on the health system.”
In addition to the physical toll of falls, they can take an emotional toll on both the individual and their loved ones. As we age, our needs become more acute and our relationship with the environment dramatically varies. Butler’s message to families is to take initiative in designing safer environments to live and work.
Common Hazards and Recommended Solutions
Multiple hazards lead to falls due to the home environment. Rugs and floor mats have been a common trip hazard, and bathrooms without handrails can create a major danger for seniors. Moreover, disorganization and tripping hazards from miscellaneous objects on a floor increase the risk of falls. Butler points out that “it could be things like clutter around, leaving things on the floor,” which can easily lead to falls.
To counter these dangers, Butler suggests feasible options like implementing sensor lights that turn on after dark. These technologies help brighten up the darker corners of your house. They are especially useful in helping prevent falls during nighttime hours. Basic changes often go a long way to improve safety.
Exercise is key, not just in addressing risk factors, but as a focused effort in fall prevention. Participating in balance-improving exercises such as Tai Chi can improve balance and stability, which in turn reduces the chances of a fall. Butler points out that even the most basic exercises—like standing up from a chair—go a long way towards improving the lives of older adults. These actions allow these movements to keep their independence.
Promoting Independence Through Safety Measures
Butler speaks with passion and experience as he advocates for ways to allow seniors to age in their own homes, safely and independently. “Those kinds of things that can support people to live independently and safely in their own home as they get older are really important,” she notes.
Health professionals have a crucial role to play in improving older adults’ mobility, including providing patients with interventions and prescribing the right exercises. Butler has the opportunity to share some of the inspiring success stories. People have reduced reliance on mobility devices while completing structured interventions led by trained professionals. “We’ve actually heard some really great stories from people who’ve been using mobility devices…and then have taken on the exercises that we have on our flyers,” she adds.
Everyone wants to age in place. Everyone wants to stay independent as they get older. Butler advocates for taking early, proactive steps to lessen the likelihood of a fall. Through such efforts, families and communities can help ensure that older adults are safe and well.
