Learning About Falls And Prevention
Posted on January 12, 2022
According to the American College of Physicians, falls are very common among older adults. One in three adults aged 65 years or older and one in two adults aged 80 years or older fall each year. Some of those falls result in serious injuries that require hospitalization. Falls typically don’t have a single cause. Multiple factors can lead to a fall, including age-related changes, chronic medical conditions, medications and environmental issues.
Know the Risks – What conditions make you more at risk for falling?
Here are some common conditions that put you at a higher risk of falling. This is not a complete list.
- Osteoarthritis (OA): According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), OA is the most common form of arthritis, affecting over 32.5 million U.S. adults. A degenerative joint disease, it affects the hands, hips and knees most often. According to the Arthritis Foundation, “Osteoarthritis does more than make your joints sore and stiff. Damage to your knees and hips can also interfere with your balance and mobility, increasing your risk for a fall and making you more likely to fracture a bone in the process.”
- Vision impairment: Eyesight problems are common in adults over 65 years of age, and can lead to a fall.
- Dementia: A decline in mental function can interfere with your daily life. There are different types of dementia—Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia are some of the most common. People who have impaired cognition, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s, are at high risk for falls and injuries. As the disease progresses, problems with vision, perception and balance develop and can affect a person’s gait, making them unsteady on their feet.
Take Action – What can you do to prevent a fall?
Whether you have one of the conditions described above, other risk factors, or have fallen in the past, please be sure to talk with your PCP or rheumatologist about having a fall assessment. There are things you and your doctor can adjust to prevent a fall. Below are some preventive actions you should discuss with your doctor to see if they are right for your situation.
- Annual eye exam: It is highly recommended that you have your eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year (a dilated eye exam). Also, be sure to have your eyeglasses updated, if needed.Dementia evaluation: If you are having memory or cognition issues or have noticed balance problems, talk with your doctor to be evaluated for dementia. Exercise can be effective in reducing the risk for falls in older adults with mild to moderate dementia.
- Daily physical activity and exercise: By doing activity that incorporates balance training, aerobic activity and muscle-strengthening exercises, you can decrease your risk of falling. These activities can also help reduce the risk of a serious injury if you do fall. Your doctor can recommend activities that are right for your ability and condition.
- Medication review: Some medications may have side effects that make you unsteady, like certain pain relievers. Your doctor can evaluate the risks of the medications you are taking.
- Home safety: Tripping hazards in your home can cause falls. Ensure your home has good lighting. Install handrails on both sides of stairs and grab bars in the tub/shower. Use a non-slip tub mat. Remove throw rugs. Keep frequently used items within reach.
- Vitamin D: Vitamin D deficiency can cause muscle weakness and pain and can lead to a fall. Your doctor can check your levels with a blood test and advise if you need a supplement.
- Walking assistance: Getting a cane or walker can help support your balance as you walk.
- Physical therapy: Seeing a physical therapist or participating in a falls prevention program can help you improve your balance and reduce your risk of falling.
Health New England’s Falls Prevention Program May Be Right for You
If you’re at risk for falling, have fallen, or have an abnormality of gait diagnosis, you may be eligible to participate in Health New England’s Falls Prevention Program for Medicare Advantage members. You’ll work directly with a qualified member of the rehabilitation team who will help to identify factors that could decrease your risk of falls, and provide you with a specialized strength and balance program.
How to Enroll: Talk to your doctor about enrolling, or call one of the participating facilities below. Your doctor will need to provide a referral for the outpatient rehabilitation services. When calling, be sure to mention you are interested in the Health New England Falls Prevention Program.
>> Baystate Rehabilitation Care (various locations): (413) 794-5600, select option 3–Rehabilitation
>> Berkshire Medical Center Outpatient Rehabilitation (Pittsfield): (413) 447-2234
Upon program completion, the Falls Prevention rehabilitation team will submit a request on your behalf to Health New England to reimburse you for the copayments paid during your visits, up to the maximum amount. Members are required to pay their applicable copayment at the time of service. The reimbursement process can take four to six weeks.
Sources:
In the Clinic. Annals of Internal Medicine. 4 December 2018. | https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/basics/osteoarthritis.htm
https://www.arthritis.org/search/results?query=osteoarthritis | https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/pdf/STEADI_OlderAdultFactSheet-a.pdf https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adding-pa/activities-olderadults.htm | https://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/resources/features/vision-loss-falls.html | https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/0003-4819-151-1-200907070-00002
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