DO NOT BE FOOLED - FALLS CAN BE SERIOUS
Falls are a serious matter for older adults. Even if there are no apparent injuries immediately afterwards, insist on taking your loved one for an examination. If you want to prevent dangerous falls in the future be proactive about getting a medical assessment after a fall. There are many reasons why:
- Seniors often do not like to complain, or feel they are being “a bother”
- They may not feel pain until hours later, bruises may not show up till the next day
- An MRI may be needed if they take blood thinners, especially if they hit their head
- They may lie about the fall because they are afraid of losing their independence
- A fall may be a warning sign of underlying medical problems that are likely to cause future falls and serious injury
Often a medical visit after a fall is mainly about addressing any injuries that the individual may have suffered. Are you sure your loved one just tripped or stumbled? A good evaluation can uncover issues that made those trips and stumbles more likely. Ask the doctor to look into underlying medical possibilities. What causes an older adult to fall frequently?
- An older person can be weakened and fall because of dehydration
- Illness such as a serious urinary tract infection
- Medications may create dizziness or balance issues
- Anemia which can be brought on by bleeding in the bowel or by other causes
- Pneumonia
- Heart problems such as atrial fibrillation
- Strokes, including mini-strokes that don’t cause weakness on one side
- Changes in blood pressure when standing or sitting that cause light-headedness or fainting
- Sodium levels that are too high or too low
- If your loved one has diabetes, episodes of low blood sugar are an important risk factor for falls
- Sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medications. medications for restless dementia behaviors, such as risperidone or quetiapine, can also increase sedation and fall risk
- “Anticholinergic” medications worsen balance and thinking – as do certain types of antidepressants
- Opiate pain medications, especially if they are new
- A reaction to pain in their feet, joints, or back
- Low Vitamin D levels
- A new chronic neurological condition, such as Parkinson’s disease.
- Poor vision – needing new glasses
Visiting Angels strongly recommends a home safety evaluation, and companion care services if your loved one is a fall risk. We can recommend a service provider to install grab bars and other safety items throughout the home. A customized, cost effective care plan can be designed to protect your loved one, either while you are away from the home during the day, or in the evening and at night time so that you can get some much needed rest. Visiting Angels is an award-winning homecare agency that can give you peace of mind and preserve your loved one’s dignity and independence.
Till Next Time!
Irv Seldin, JD
Owner and President Visiting Angels of the Palm Beaches
Article not intended as medical advice