Trauma nurse recommends ways to reduce falls, injury

As summer temperatures keep many inside the home, Emergency Department professionals from Abrazo Health remind the public there are steps to reduce your risk of fall injuries as falls are a leading cause of injury for people 65 and older.

According to the National Council on Aging, as we age, our risk of falling and being injured increases, a press release stated. After age 65, your risk of falling is about one in four.

Among older Americans, falls are the number one cause of death from injury. These falls may result in broken bones or other injuries that lead to declining health, isolation and a loss of independence, the release detailed.

“One can take measures to help prevent falls that include becoming educated on ways to prevent falls, as well as talking with your doctor. Vision and balance, prescriptions and more can all affect fall risk,” Abrazo West Campus Trauma Program Manager Tiffiny Strever stated in the release.

Many people can reduce their risk of falls by exercising, improving their balance and implementing safety measures at home, Strever added. Some simple changes in the home to help reduce your risk of falls include:

• Arrange furniture so you can easily move around it.
• Don’t use throw rugs. Rugs and carpeting should be secured to the floor.
• Keep electrical and telephone cords out of the way.
• Wear rubber-soled shoes that have low heels.
• Keep a flashlight by your bedside at night.
• Use non-skid mats or adhesive strips on surfaces that will get wet.
• Use a step stool to reach something from a high shelf or move items to lower shelves.

Whether you are at home or somewhere else, a sudden fall can be startling and upsetting, the release stated. The National Institute on Aging recommends the following steps if you fall:

• Take several deep breaths to try to relax. This will help you get over the shock of falling.
• Decide if you are hurt. Getting up too quickly or in the wrong way could make an injury worse.
• If you think you can get up safely without help, roll over onto your side. Rest again while your body and blood pressure adjust. Slowly get up on your hands and knees, and crawl to a sturdy chair.
• Get help. If you are hurt or cannot get up on your own, ask someone for help or call 911. If you are alone, try to get into a comfortable position and wait for help to arrive.
• Prepare for a fall by keeping a well-charged cordless or mobile phone with you at all times and arrange for daily contact with a family member or friend.
• Emergency response systems are another option: These systems enable you to push a button on a special necklace or bracelet to call for help. Some smartwatches also have this feature.

For information about emergency care at Abrazo Health hospitals or to find a doctor, visit AbrazoHealth.com.