Falls are among the risks that older adults in the United States face. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as 3 million senior citizens suffer falls every year (CDC, 2017). A significant number of these individuals require hospitalization. In addition to causing the older adults to undergo hospitalization, falls also expose them to such serious issues as hip fractures. Furthermore, the adults incur huge costs as they receive treatment for the injuries sustained due to the falls. The devastation and the cost associated with falls are the key reason why they have been selected as the subject of this pamphlet. This pamphlet is designed primarily for an audience made up of older adults (65 years and older). There are various reasons why this population is being targeted. One, it is understood that older adults are among the groups with low levels of health literacy (Huff, 2011). Through the pamphlet, it is hoped that they will understand the measures that they can take to protect themselves against falls. Two, falls are a common problem for older adults. Apart from the senior citizens, the pamphlet also targets their families and caregivers. These parties should find the information presented in the pamphlet relevant and helpful.
Definition of terms
To ease understanding, it is important to provide the meaning of terms that older adults and other members of the audience for this pamphlet will encounter.
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Falls: A rapid and uncontrolled movement from a high place to a low one. The following image captures a fall.
Prevention: Taking action to keep an event from occurring.
Intervention: An action taken to achieve a particular goal.
The Importance of Fall Prevention
There are a number of important reasons why older adults, their families and caregivers should adopt interventions for preventing falls. Keeping the cost of treatment down is among the reasons. Every year, older adults and their families incur huge costs as they seek treatment after suffering falls (CDC, 2017). By preventing the falls, the older adults are able to spend the amounts on more pressing health needs. Securing older adults against harm, pain and anguish is another reason why no effort should be spared in preventing falls (Rose & Hernandez, 2010). As already mentioned, falls could lead to such issues as hip fractures. The fractures are difficult and costly to treat. Another reason for preventing falls is to offer older adults security and peace of mind. With preventive steps taken, the older adults can rest assured that their wellbeing is guaranteed. Overall, preventive action creates an environment of safety and peace.
Fall Prevention Strategies
There are a number of effective strategies that older adults and their caregivers can take to minimize the risk of falls. Physical exercise is among the most effective strategies (Rose, 2008). Exercise prevents falls by addressing the impairments which lead to the falls. Additionally, exercise is known to help prevent illnesses which impair mobility (Rose, 2008). Such therapies as those involving the strengthening of lower extremities are also used to prevent falls (Lee, Lee & Khang, 2013). By taking part in these therapies, the older adults enhance their ability to recover from falls and prevent the falls from occurring. Using such tools as canes and walkers which offer balance and make walking easier is yet another strategy that works. Older adults should speak with their families and caregivers about providing these tools. While simple, they go a long way in preventing falls.
It is true that there are simple steps that an older adult can take. However, some steps require help from caregivers and the family. Making the older adult’s environment safer is one of these steps (“US Department of Health”, 2002). Poor lighting and objects that are strewn on the floor are among the causes of falls. Fixing these issues makes the environment safe and minimizes the threat of falls. Families and caregivers also need to review the treatments that older adults receive (“US Department of Health”, 2002). There are some treatments which render the adults unstable and more susceptible to falling. Education and treatment of illnesses that cause instability are other interventions that older adults should adopt. Overall, the effective prevention of falls can only be achieved when older adults work together with their families and caregivers. The image below summarizes the fall prevention strategies.
Additional Information
The information provided above should be adequate for successful fall prevention. However, the following resources provide additional information about falls.
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality: https://www.ahrq.gov/professionals/systems/hospital/fallpxtoolkit/fallpxtk3.html
National Council on Aging: https://www.ncoa.org/healthy-aging/falls-prevention/preventing-falls-tips-for-older-adults-and-caregivers/6-steps-to-protect-your-older-loved-one-from-a-fall/
In conclusion, falls remain one of the leading causes of pain and disability among older adults. Every year, these adults and their families spend huge amounts in treating conditions resulting from false. To shield older adults against falls and to spare the families of the cost, preventive measures need to be implemented. Among the most effective measures are physical exercise and gait training. It is also important for the adults to review their medication and to rid their environments of safety hazards. Moreover, families and caregivers should keep a close eye on the older adults. Even as they adopt the preventive measures, the families should help the older adults to maintain their independence and sense of worth.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2017). Important facts about falls. Retrieved August 7, 2018 from https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/adultfalls.html
Huff, C. (2011). Does your patient really understand? Hospitals & Health Networks, 85 (10), 2.
Lee, A., Lee, K., & Khang, P. (2013). Preventing falls in the geriatric population. The Permanente Journal, 17 (4), 37-9.
Rose, D. (2008). Preventing falls among older adults: no “one size fits all” intervention strategy. Journal of Rehabilitation Research & Development, 45 (8), 1153-66.
Rose, D. J., & Hernandez, D. (2010). The role of exercise in fall prevention for older adults. Clinics in Geriatric Medicine, 26 (4), 607-31.
U.S. Department of Health. (2002). Falls among older adults: strategies for prevention. Retrieved August 7, 2018 from https://www.doh.wa.gov/portals/1/Documents/2900/FallsAmongOlderAdults.pdf
1 Image retrieved from https://www.brightstarcare.com/blog/statistics-make-the-case-for-promoting-elderly-falls-prevention
2 Image retrieved from https://naples.floridaweekly.com/articles/older-adults-caregivers-can-help-manage-the-risk-of-falling/
3 Image retrieved from: https://berkslancasterlebanonlink.org/2015/10/05/fall-prevention-simple-tips-to-prevent-falls/
