A fall -- a slip on the sidewalk, a tumble down the stairs -- canbe deadly, especially for seniors.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported recentlythat the death rate from falls has risen significantly among people65 and older. In 2003, more than 13,700 older adults died from fallsin the United States.
A nonfatal fall can still have dire consequences for seniors,resulting in an injury from which they never recover or robbing themof their independence.
About 63 percent of trauma patients seen at Penrose Hospital endup there because of a fall. And with the massive baby boomergeneration aging, falls will become more of an issue, said JodyWallace, trauma patient-care coordinator for Penrose Hospital.
For years Penrose-St. Francis Health Services held fall-prevention classes at its Health Learning Center but struggled toattract seniors. Now, Wallace said, 'we're taking a whole differentapproach to that. Now we're going to the seniors.'
Wallace makes safety presentations to senior groups and at placessuch as assisted-living facilities and senior independentapartments. Fall prevention is a key part of those presentations.
She talks about the medical reasons people fall, such asdeteriorating vision and medications that cause dizziness. And shetalks about dangers lurking in homes and outdoors that can causefalls, from uneven walkways to pets underfoot.
A common time for falls is about 3 or 4 a.m., when a personleaves bed to go to the bathroom and gets dizzy from standing up tooquickly. Wallace urges seniors to sit on the bed and get theirbearings before standing.
Other prevention tips are equally basic, from tacking down orremoving slippery rugs to undergoing regular vision and hearingchecks.
'I would say that 90 percent of what we tell people they alreadyknow, but it's just reinforcement and reminding them,' Wallace said.
Penrose-St. Francis recently began meeting with partners such asMemorial Health System and the Colorado Springs police and firedepartments to put a greater community focus on fall prevention.
'We're trying to make this a joint effort, and what we found outfrom talking with this group is we're all on the same page,' saidAnn Clasby, a case manager in the emergency-services department atPenrose Hospital.
The issue of falls has also caught the attention of Scott Rea,owner of Edge Rehab & Wellness in Colorado Springs. He offers free,weekly balance screenings to uncover those most at risk of falling.
The screening includes a questionnaire and standing on acomputerized platform that measures a person's sway. Those who seekthe testing typically have had falls or nearfalls, Rea said.
'They're responding to something that has bothered them. Whatwe're able to do is quantify it, let them know how bad they are.'
Alice Shartran underwent the screening a few weeks ago.
'I was worried about my balance. Sure enough, I thought I wasgoing to fall off.'
Since then, she has been meeting with a doctor to uncover thecause of her balance problems. It may be the result of medications.If that's the case, she said, 'I'm thinking there may be some thingsto increase muscle tone and compensate for what some of themedicines are doing.'
Shartran is eager to address her balance issues. 'I'm only 57,and I don't want to be falling and breaking something,' she said.
Some people, though, are reluctant to admit a problem or resistusing help such as a cane or a walker, Wallace said. 'A lot of timesthey won't report that they've fallen because they're afraid they'lllose their independence.'
It's important for family members to be aware of the danger fallspose, to help look for obstacles and urge assistance, she said. 'Youwant your parents to be as independent as possible, but there's athin line between being able to function and not.'
CONTACT THE WRITER: 636-0272 or bill.radford@gazette.com
FALL-PREVENTION TIPS FOR SENIORS
Remove all throw rugs or secure them to the floor and reduceclutter in the home.
Use grab bars in the bathroom when needed. Use nonslip mats inthe bathtub and on shower floors.
Wear sturdy shoes with nonslip soles.
Improve the lighting in your home. As you get older, you needbrighter lights to see well. Lamp shades or frosted bulbs can reduceglare.
Don't use step stools. Keep items you use often in cabinets youcan reach easily.
Do not carry something while using a walker. Use a walker bag ortray.
Have your vision checked at least once a year.
Get up slowly after sitting or lying down.
Review medications with doctor or pharmacist to discuss sideeffects and interactions.
Exercise regularly to improve strength and balance.
SOURCE: Centura Health at Home, Centers for Disease Control andPrevention
RESOURCES
To learn more about seniorsafety presentations by Penrose-St.Francis Health Services, call Jody Wallace, 776-5925.
The Colorado Springs Fire Department offers fire and lifesafetypresentations that include fall prevention. For information, callBrianna Goodwin, 385-7376.
Edge Rehab & Wellness, 2360-C Montebello Square Drive, holds freebalance screenings from 1 to 6 p.m. Tuesdays. Call 599-5330.
The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control has fall-prevention brochures available for download at www.cdc.gov/ncipc/duip/fallsmaterial.htm.
