End of the year wrap up..part I
This time of year we often reflect on the type of year we’ve had. As The Aging Suite prepares for 2010, we’d also like to take this time to review some topics we’ve talked about this past year. Thanks for your support, comments, and questions. Please, keep them coming. Plus, stayed tuned in 2010 to see our new changes including our new updated format.
So, here we go:
Fall Prevention wrap up
Fall prevention was a big topic discussed this year at The Aging Suite, and it’s no wonder with the personal, social, and economic impact that falls can have. Falls can have a devastating impact on older individuals. They can result in injuries such as wrist and hip fractures, decreased independence with everyday activities; fear of getting around one’s home, and even having to live outside the home with relatives or in a nursing home. It’s estimated that 77% of falls occur in the home, with people tripping over items and falling on the stairs as being the top two causes of falls.
Falls occur more often among women who have one or more medical condition and live alone. They are also typically taking more than one medication, which may increase the likelihood of dizziness and fainting. Taking multiple medications can cause dizziness and fainting. Studies have shown that there is a link between medications used to treat depression in the elderly and the incidence of falls with subsequent fractures. Research has also indicated that use of:
- Cardiac drugs
- Digoxin
- Diuretics
- Psychotropic medications
have all been shown to increase fall risks.
There are some simple things you can do to decrease the likelihood of falls in your home. They include:
- Having a health care professional check your medications
- Assessing your home for safety risks
- Getting your vision checked annually
- Exercising regularly to maintain agility
Join us Wednesday as we present our Aging in Place wrap up.
