LAKE COUNTY >> September is National Fall Prevention Month, a time to spread awareness on the leading cause of emergency room visits, injury-related deaths and hospitalizations for older adults 65 years and older in the U.S.
According to the National Council on Aging, an older adult is treated for a fall-related injury every 15 seconds in the U.S. Every 29 minutes someone has a lethal fall. According to brookretirement.com, the death rate from falls among older Americans has increased 55 percent between 2000 and 2009, and in 2010 more than 20,000 adults had fatal falls.
Even if a fall isn”t deadly, they can have lasting effects on one”s mobility, mental health and independence.
While falls can happen anywhere, many take place right in people”s homes, with the bathroom being the most dangerous room when it comes to falling. This is often due to wet, slippery floors/surfaces, and the awkward movements and positions needed to maneuver in and out of showers, bathtubs and in toilet use. People often mistakenly use bathroom towel racks as a grab bar. Towel racks will not support a person”s weight and make a serious fall likely.
Tips to help prevent a fall:
• Keep your home safe by removing tripping hazards, increasing lighting and installing grab bars
• Get your hearing and vision checked annually
• Find a good balance and exercise program
• Regularly review your medications with your pharmacist
• Talk to your family members and get their help to stay safe; falls are not just a senior”s problem
Older adults can reduce the risk of falling by maintaining a regular exercise program, making their homes safer by removing tripping hazards, properly installing grab bars especially in their bathrooms, where most falls occur in the home and having their doctors review their medications to minimize side effects and negative interactions.
For more information, contact the Area Agency on Aging of Lake & Mendocino Counties at 995-4680.
Todd Metcalf is the Director of the Area Agency on Aging of Lake & Mendocino Counties.
