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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 14, 2007
Winter
Months Put Many Older Persons in Danger
Illinois
Council Offers Top Ten List for Seniors on Preventing
Falls
(Chicago) – Avoiding a fall is a
serious challenge for senior citizens. Thirty percent of
seniors living in the community fall each year. Falls
represent a major source of injury and death in older
people. About 10,000 older adults die each year in the
United States as a result of falling.
Especially during winter, with its
snow and icy conditions, falls pose a serious health
threat to older persons. To help improve safety and well
being for seniors, the Illinois Council on Long Term
Care, an association of nursing home professionals,
offers its “Top Ten List” for preventing falls.
“We want to share our suggestions
with community seniors to reduce their risk of injury
and death,” states Susan Duda-Gardiner, director of
clinical services for the Illinois Council. “Illinois
nursing home professionals have extensive experience in
helping seniors reduce their risk for falls and have
important safety information to share.”
Here are the Illinois Council’s
top ten recommendations for preventing falls:
10. Consider Medication Side
Effects – Seniors should talk with their doctors
about the side effects of their medications and whether
they affect coordination, balance and blood pressure. Whenever possible, doctors should reduce or eliminate those
medications that increase the risk of falling, such as
sedatives and tranquilizers.
9. Exercise Regularly – A
regular exercise program helps to improve strength,
muscle tone, flexibility, and postural stability, all
crucial to fall prevention. Seniors who are inactive are
at the greatest risk of falling. Consult with a doctor
or physical therapist to choose those exercises that are
the safest and most effective.
8. Wear Appropriate Footwear
– When indoors, seniors should wear lightweight gym
shoes rather than heavy, clumsy athletic shoes. All
footwear should be sturdy and well-fitted, with low
heels and non-slip soles. Make sure that hems on pants,
long skirts and robes are not torn or too long.
7. Use Mobility Aids Properly
– Seniors who require mobility aids such as canes,
walkers and wheelchairs should learn how to use them
properly and make sure that they are in good condition.
Don’t overload yourself with packages, as this
will make these mobility aids useless.
6. Watch Out for Environmental
Hazards – Keep floors free from litter and
clutter. Clean up spills immediately. Keep electrical
cords away from walking paths. Secure small rugs and
carpets with rubber, non-skid padding. Make sure that
chairs are pushed up tightly against tables, and that
dresser drawers are shut completely.
5. Make the Bathroom Safe
– The bathroom is a prime location for falls. Install
sturdy grab bars in tub and toilet areas. Put rubber
matting at the bottom of the tub. Make sure bathroom
floors are not wet. Consider using a shower chair if
bathing is difficult.
4. Be Extra Careful During
Winter – During the winter, use extreme caution
when walking outdoors on wet or icy pavement. Be sure to
clean up any water puddles that are brought in from the
outside. Keep your home warm, as prolonged exposure to
cold temperatures can lead to dizziness and falls.
3. Think About Vision Issues
– Seniors need twice as much illumination as younger
adults to see properly. Keep rooms, hallways and
stairways well lit. Use nightlights in bedrooms,
bathrooms and other dim areas. Have your vision checked
regularly and wear your eyeglasses as much as possible.
Use color contrast in the home whenever possible.
Consider marking the edge of each stair in your
staircase if you have depth perception difficulties.
2. Take Your Time – Make
sure to take your time and be very careful in getting
from place to place. Use caution in getting up too
quickly after eating, lying down or resting. Low blood
pressure may cause dizziness at these times. Try to
avoid lifting things, especially heavy items, as this
can lead to a fall.
1. Make Fall Prevention a Top Priority –
Falls represent a huge challenge for seniors that can
lead to reduced independence, serious injury and even
death. Don’t wait to think about fall prevention until
after it is too late. Talk with your doctor or physical
therapist about fall prevention techniques. Check around
your home regularly for hazards. Be aware of your
surroundings and use caution at all times.
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The
Illinois Council on Long Term Care is a professional
association of nearly 200 nursing facilities committed
to quality residential health care in Illinois through a
productive and responsible partnership between the
private and public sectors. The Council represents more
than 26,000 nursing home professionals serving more than
37,000 residents. Helpful information for seniors and
families can be found at the Council’s Web site
www.nursinghome.org.
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