Take a stand to prevent falls

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Sept. 23 is the first day of fall, and it’s also National Falls Prevention Awareness Day, which reminds older adults to take a stand to prevent falls.

Falls are the leading cause of injuries to older adults, says Sarah March, state coordinator for University of Missouri Extension’s A Matter of Balance, an eight-week class for older adults who have concerns about falling.

The good news is that most falls can be prevented, March says. Minor lifestyle changes mean the difference between continuing to live at home or moving to a care facility.

March suggests that family and friends of senior citizens talk about ways to reduce fall risks.

Nearly one in three people age 65 and older fall each year, according to the National Council on Aging. Hospital emergency rooms admit someone who has fallen every 13 seconds. People 75 and older who fall are four to five times more likely to spend a year or more in a long-term care facility than individuals 65 to 74 years of age, March says.

Crystal Plank, director of nursing at The Neighborhoods by TigerPlace, agrees that most falls can be prevented. MU researchers study fall risks at TigerPlace by using sensor technology to predict falls and monitor health changes.

The monitoring system includes wireless sensors placed in residents’ living areas and provides data to researchers about residents’ gait, sleep patterns and other health-related issues. Plank and rehabilitation director Laurie Troup work with residents in short-term rehabilitation therapy.

Often, elderly fall patients have diabetes or other diseases that complicate healing and increase risk of death, Plank says.

Two-thirds of fall victims will fall again within six months. Even those who escape injury from a fall may become reluctant to leave the security of home out of fear of falling again, March says. As a result, their physical condition declines further, socialization becomes limited and risk of isolation increases.

MU Extension’s A Matter of Balance can help fall victims face the fear of falling again, March says. The program’s simple exercises help to strengthen muscles that people use daily.

March and Troup also suggest the following:

• Contact your county MU Extension office for a schedule of classes and a free copy of MU Extension’s “Better Living: Aging Well” magazine. Strength, flexibility and balance improve with exercise.

• Ask your health care provider for a fall risk assessment.

• Have your vision and hearing checked annually. Some seniors fall because they can’t see well. Have your pharmacist or doctor check medications for proper dosage.

• Keep floors free of clutter. Arrange furniture to provide clear walkways.

• Remove throw rugs that cause tripping.

• Put grab bars or railings in the bathroom, shower, hallways and stairways. Reduce risk by installing shower seats in the bathtub and shower.

• Replace burned-out lightbulbs. Increase lighting for better vision. Use a night light.

• Arrange items so that they are easy to reach.

• Ask family members, friends and neighbors for help as needed.

• Wear shoes inside and outside your house for balance and stability.

For more information about MU Extension’s A Matter of Balance, go to http://missourifamilies.org/matterofbalance.

For information about Stay Strong, Stay Healthy, an eight-week strength-training program for older adults, go to http://missourifamilies.org/sssh.