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5 Tips To Prevent Injuries From Falls For Older Wisconsin Residents

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Falls are a significant concern nationwide, with 1 in 4 adults aged 65 and older falling each year and suffering injuries that include fractures, head injuries, and the loss of their independence.

In Wisconsin, falls are the leading cause of injury and death, accounting for over 130,000 emergency medical services (EMS) calls in 2022. Preventing falls is crucial to maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle.

Photo by Gaspar Zaldo on Pexels.com

Contributing fall risk factors

Several factors can increase the risk of falling: 

  • Age
  • Medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, dementia, Parkinson’s
  • Medications can have side effects that cause dizziness or drowsiness
  • Environmental hazards:
    • Inside your home: poor lighting, clutter, slippery floors, throw rugs
    • Outside: Ice, snow, cold, heat, wind and other weather, uneven surfaces
  • Decreased muscle strength
  • Balance issues
  • Vision problems

5 simple steps for prevention

Making simple modifications inside your home, such as improving lighting, removing clutter and throw rugs, and installing grab bars, can significantly reduce the risk of falling.

When you are outdoors, keep yourself hydrated and always have a phone or other device to call for help if you need it. Snow and ice can be hard to walk on, so plan your path, use a device or handrailing to stabilize yourself, and ask for assistance if needed. 

These steps can help reduce the risk of injuries from falling:

1. Exercise Regularly: Being active is a great way to improve strength, balance, and flexibility to help reduce the risk of falls. Activities such as walking, tai chi, and yoga are excellent options for older adults.

2. Review Medications: Regularly review medications with a healthcare provider or your pharmacist to identify any that may increase fall risk. Adjustments to dosages or switching to safer alternatives can help reduce this risk.

3. Home Safety: Inside your home, simple modifications such as improving lighting, installing grab bars, and removing clutter and throw rugs can significantly reduce the risk of falls. Talk to your doctor or other medical professionals to find out if a home risk assessment is available after a fall.

4. Vision and Hearing Checks: Regular vision and hearing tests are essential for identifying any issues that may contribute to falls. 

5. Use Assistive Devices: For individuals with mobility issues, using devices such as canes, walkers, or grab bars can provide additional support and stability.

Resources

Wisconsin offers several resources and programs to support falls prevention efforts.

The Falls Free Wisconsin (FFWI) initiative provides education, tools, and resources to help older adults and their caregivers prevent falls. The initiative focuses on raising awareness, eliminating fall hazards, and encouraging state and local efforts to reduce fall risks.

Additionally, local Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC) offer Stepping On classes, personalized assistance, and information on fall prevention. Working with an occupational or physical therapist can also provide valuable guidance on improving balance and strength.

Falls prevention is critical to maintaining health and independence, especially for older adults. Understanding the common risk factors and taking proactive steps to prevent falls can lead to a safer and more active lifestyle.

This community column was written by Renee Foy, ECHM with Central Racine County Health Department.


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5 tips to prevent injuries from falls for older Wisconsin residents was first posted on October 22, 2024 at 10:13 am.
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