Fall Risks

            Most falls are caused by the interaction of multiple risk factors. To prevent falls healthcare providers can lower the risk by minimizing the individuals’ modifiable factors. Focus first on these factors:

·         Lower body weakness

·         Difficulty with gait and balance

·         Use of psychoactive medications

·         Postural dizziness

·         Poor vision

·         Problems with feet and/or shoes

·         Home hazards (rugs, mats, stairs)

Fall risks can be categorized as Intrinsic or Extrinsic

Intrinsic                                                                                  Extrinsic

Advanced age                                                                         Lack of stair handrails

Previous falls                                                                           Poor stair design

Muscle weakness                                                                    Lack of bathroom grab bars

Gait and balance issues                                                          Dim lighting or glare

Poor vision                                                                              Slippery or uneven surface

Postural hypotension                                                              Improper use of assistance devices

Chronic conditions

·         Arthritis

·         Diabetes

·         Stroke

·         Parkinson’s

·         MS

·         Incontinence

·         Dementia

Fear of falling

           

Falls are not an inevitable part of aging. Try to identify low, moderate or high risks for falls. Identify modifiable risk factors, offer effective interventions.

By asking 3 simple questions and taking action when needed, you can reduce the risk of falling.

1.      Have you fallen in the past year?

2.      Do you feel unsteady standing or walking?

3.      Do you worry about falling?

If answered yes on any of these questions – they are considered at risk of falling.

            Two validated and easy interventions:

1.      Vitamin D supplementation has been shown to reduce the risk of falling in adults who have been vitamin D deficient.

2.      Medication management – Avoid medications with side effect promoting the risk of falling. If these medications are a treatment necessity, review reducing the doses to the lowest effective dose.

3.      Medications linked to falls are:

·         Psychoactive medications (benzodiazephes)

·         Medication with anticholinergic side effects

·         OTC (over the counter) sedatives (Tylenol PM, Benadryl)

           

Source www.cdc.gov