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Older Adults and Falls

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Older Adults and Falls

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    1. Older Adults and Falls Jane Painter, EdD, OTR/L, FAOTA East Carolina University Occupational Therapy Department

    2. Objectives Discuss fall-related risk factors Discuss what you can do to prevent falls Discuss who you should talk to and/or see about your concerns related to falls and fear of falling

    3. I didnt fall, I just slipped. What is an unexplained fall? Unintentionally coming to rest on the ground or some lower surface when you didnt intend to be there. Includes slips, trips, etc. Does not include episodes that would cause anyone at any age to fall Getting run into by a scooter Porch collapsed Seizure

    4. Im not afraid I just dont do that anymore. Fear of falling Can occur with or without a history of falls Increases risk for falls Leads to activity self-restriction in 30% of adults over 65 years of age Downward spiral Weakness, fatigue, social isolation, depression, etc.

    5. Whats the problem? Falls are dangerous 15-20% of falls lead to injury 5% result in hip fracture Of these, 1/10 will die Of the remaining 9/10, half will never regain their previous level of function Leading cause of injury-related death

    6. Remember Falling is not a normal part of aging

    7. Risk Factors for Falls

    8. Risk Factors for Falls Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Most falls result from an interaction/combination of the two

    9. Intrinsic Risk Factors Medical More impairments = higher risk of falling Urgency or incontinence (doctor) Cardiac conditions (doctor) Postural hypotension or fainting Dizziness (consult occupational or physical therapist for vestibular therapy

    10. Intrinsic Risk Factors Medical, cont. Medications & interactions = 4 medications anti-depressants, anti-anxiety, sleeping pills Substance abuse

    11. Intrinsic Risk Factors Emotional Depression Anxiety Fear of falling Talk to your family, doctor, or occupational/physical therapist about your concerns

    12. Intrinsic Risk Factors Social Living alone Socially isolated Talk to your family, friends, doctor; contact your local council on aging (252) 752-1717

    13. Intrinsic Risk Factors Sensory loss Diabetes Talk to your dr. if you are having trouble feeling your feet Vision Cataracts Macular degeneration Have an annual eye exam; Consult with an occupational therapist for low vision deficits

    14. Intrinsic Risk Factors Central Sensory-Motor Processing Poor sense of position & motion in space Failure to anticipate Slow reaction time Inadequate balance recovery Talk to your dr. for a possible physical therapy prescription

    15. Intrinsic Risk Factors Musculo-Skeletal Strength Range of motion Endurance Flexed Posture Start an exercise program after talking to your doctor

    16. Intrinsic Risk Factors Condition of the feet Corns, calluses, etc. Hallux valgus Bunions Toenail problems Talk to your doctor or podiatrist

    17. Intrinsic Risk Factors Balance Leaning Loss of balance especially with feet together, bending, reaching, etc. Talk to your doctor about getting a prescription for physical therapy

    18. Intrinsic Factors Gait Slow Unsteady Difficulty with starts, stops, turns Use of assistive device Talk to your doctor about getting a prescription for physical therapy

    19. Intrinsic Risk Factors Transfers Sit < to > Stand Use of hands to push up Needs assistance Start an exercise program after talking to your doctor

    20. Intrinsic Risk Factors Activity Level Active vs. sedentary Prior experience

    21. Home Environment Remove clutter Remove scatter rugs, cords going across room Use ample lighting, but avoid glare Use handrails on steps

    22. Home Environment Use shower mat in tub/shower Use grab bars inside and outside tub or shower Repair tears in flooring; fill holes in ground Consult with an occupational therapist

    23. Extrinsic Risk Factors Environmental Surface Shoes Visual Timing demands Make your home safer; watch where you are walking; talk to your doctor

    24. Extrinsic Risk Factors Avoid footwear that decreases circulation, sensation, or stability High heels Backless slippers/shoes Stockings or socks only Slippery or sticky soles Too tight or too loose

    25. Remember: Most falls result from an interaction of intrinsic & extrinsic risk factors

    26. The greater the number of risk factors present, the greater the likelihood of falls.

    27. Who Should You Talk To? WHO? Family members or friends Physician, Pharmacist, Physician assistant, Nurse practitioner Occupational therapist; Physical therapist Others depending on problems Social Work Psychology Vision professionals Podiatrist

    28. Educate Yourself on What you Can Do to Prevent Falls Sign-up and take a Matter of Balance class 8 classes that last 2 hours each Free Teaches you what you can do to help you from falling and avoid becoming afraid of doing activities for a fear of falling

    29. General Recommendations Start an exercise program (dr./physical therapist) Make home safer (occupational therapist) Medications: review when there is a change in prescriptions or over-the-counter medications; use only one drug store (dr. or pharmacist) Annual vision examination (optometrist) Sign-up for Matter of Balance course

    31. Contact information Jane Painter, EdD, OTR/L ECU Occupational Therapy Department painterj@ecu.edu 744-6194

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