FALL PREVENTION
Falls are a leading cause of serious injuries, hospital admissions and death among adults. Falls and injuries resulting from falls account for four out of every 10 nursing home admissions.
The people most at risk for falls are adults over 60 years of age, especially those suffering from:
- A previous fall
- A previous stroke
- Osteoporosis
- Poor vision
- Arthritis
- An unsteady gait
- Postural hypotension (a drop in blood pressure causing lightheadedness or loss of consciousness due to a move to a more vertical body position – from sitting to standing or from lying to sitting or standing)
- Cognitive impairment (such as memory or perception difficulties)
- Living quarters with risk factors (such as loose carpets, unsafe stairways and bathtubs without handles)
By taking simple precautions, many falls can be prevented and the seriousness of injuries resulting from falls can be reduced.
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