Fall Prevention Spotlight
Falls occur in the home most frequently in the aging population due to various risk factors and account for millions of dollars annually for hospitalization costs. According to the CDC, 3 million older people are treated in the emergency room each year due to fall related injuries.1 In addition, at least 300,000 older people each year are hospitalized due to hip fractures with 95% resulting from a fall.1 Risk factors have been identified that can be modified or changed that may help decrease your risk for falls.
Removal of throw rugs, using night lights from your bedroom to your bathroom, and installing grab bars in the toilet and shower areas are simple solutions to prevent falls. Also, consider yearly vision screenings and discussing your medications with your medical doctor; especially, if new symptoms of dizziness occur. You may also be at risk for falls if you suffer from lower extremity weakness and/or poor balance. The CDC indicates that 1 in 5 falls results in a serious injury, such as a broken bone.1
Recent research suggests the most effective physical therapy approach for the prevention of falls and fractures in older adults is regular exercise with a combination of strength and balance.2 In addition, calf strength has been shown to be particular important in improving balance, functional abilities and decreasing risk for falls.3 Ask your medical doctor about physical therapy to see if its right for you.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention- Homepage. http://www.cdc.gov. April 2020.
- Physical Therapy Approaches to Reduce Fall and Fracture Risk Among Older Adults. [Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2010;(6)7:396-407]
- A Prospective Cohort Study on the Effect of a Balance Training Program, Including Calf Muscle Strengthening, in Community-Dwelling Older Adults [J Geriatr Phys Ther. 2016;39(3):125-131]