ELDERS FALLING ALERT

One in three Elders (age 65+) will experience a fall that can have a devastating physical and psychological impact resulting in disability, chronic pain, loss of independence, reduced quality of life, and even death.

The risk for falls can go as high as 85% in Elders that have 2 or more chronic conditions and who have previously fallen, taking multiple medications and using a form of walking assistant device, and or have a form of catheter.

Eight percent (8%) of fall-related hospitalizations ended in death. (Preventing Falls: From Evidence to Improvement in Canadian Health Care, Accreditation Canada, the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI))

The most powerful predictor of a fall is a history of falling. In home care, individuals at risk of falling are identified on the basis of their history of falls. Individuals with a history of multiple falls are considered at high risk, while those with a single previous fall are considered at medium risk.

Falls are the main reason for all Elderly Hospitalization. So what are we doing about it?

Falls Prevention Strategy in the Elderly begins with awareness of the severity of the problem and steps to reduce the risk begins with a comprehensive Geriatrics Medical Assessment. Elders need to be checked by Geriatricians. All specialties including Orthopaedics, Cardiologist, Internal Medicine and Endocrinology will request for a Geriatrician assessment.

Medications management, removing unwanted catheters (catheters are not safe and pose high risk for infection). Inactivity and or bed rest greater than 2 days related to flu, hospitalization can create severe loss of muscle mass in the body responsible for stability and balance. Muscle recovery in the elderly is not the same as for the younger adult.

Geriatric Physiotherapy conducted by Licensed Physiotherapist who are aware of the other medical needs of the patient and can work on building stability, balance and improve gait.

LEADERS IN HOME CARE, Aman Home Healthcare is committed to ensure the development of its staff and the ongoing competency skill upgrades needed to keep up with best practice standards.” Aman Medical & Healthcare is committed to delivering safe patient care.