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- $Unique_ID{BRK01399}
- $Pretitle{}
- $Title{Tips on Preventing Falls in the Elderly}
- $Subject{falls aging prevention accident accidents elderly fall tripping
- vertigo dizzy dizziness lifestyle lifestyles age aged old older falling down
- trip trips footing loss}
- $Volume{O-23,T-23}
- $Log{
- Causes and Symptoms of Vertigo*0007501.scf}
-
- Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc.
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-
- Tips on Preventing Falls in the Elderly
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- QUESTION: Mother came to live with us recently. However, in the past four
- months she has had four bad spills. We are quite concerned, and would like
- some tips on preventing additional accidents. Can you help?
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-
- ANSWER: Since falls are a major medical health problem for the elderly,
- prevention is obviously very important. However, before preventive measures
- can be taken, it is important to determine the causes of these repeated
- spills, which aren't always easy to diagnose. Most patients who fall
- repeatedly attribute their falls to tripping, but this is rarely the case.
- There can be environmental, physical, or psychological factors contributing to
- these accidental "spills," and doctors need to investigate many possibilities
- before an appropriate evaluation can be made.
- Since the home is the most common site for accidents, home hazards should
- be considered. Slippery floors, loose or torn rugs, and poor lighting are all
- dangerous, and safety measures such as providing handy light switches and good
- illumination should be taken. Installing handrails for toilet, bath and
- stairways, and making floors, bathtubs, and carpets nonslip are good
- precautions as well. Be sure to show mother the changes you've made and
- explain that their use can help prevent these accidents.
- When physical causes are suspected, doctors will perform a complete
- physical exam as well as investigate cardiac and neurologic concerns. They
- should also probe the patient's medical history and determine if they are
- taking any medications that can possibly be linked to the problem.
- Impaired vision or hearing, stiff joints, weak muscles and impaired gait
- are other factors that may contribute to a fall. To pinpoint potential
- problems, the patient should be questioned about palpitations, pain,
- dizziness, and shortness of breath. If such factors are present, simple
- tests, such as monitoring cardiac rhythms, can provide the needed clues.
- Balancing exercises may help patients with vertigo, and some patients benefit
- from sleeping with their head raised or by resting in a sitting position for a
- few minutes before they stand or walk.
- Many elderly people who fall have multiple problems, and without knowing
- your mother's particular medical history, it is difficult to offer you more
- specific advice. I suggest you talk things over with her, encourage her to
- talk about any problems that may not be readily noticeable, and suggest she
- get a complete physical exam. Her falls may not have any serious underlying
- complications, but there's no harm in seeking a professional consultation.
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- The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
- the counsel and advice of your personal physician. Promptly consulting your
- doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
- problem.
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