The major safety concerns for older people relate to the physical and functional changes they are experiencing, changes in family life, and often an increase in medications. One area of particular concern is falls. Seventy percent of fall-related deaths occur in the elderly and falling episodes are usually recurrent. Sixty percent of falls result in some kind of injury, but only six percent result in a major injury. Of these major injuries, 75 percent are hip fractures. Twenty-five percent of all falls caused the patient to limit their activity afterward and almost half of elderly people who do fall fear falling again.
Many physical changes, such as gait instability, slower reaction time, decreased grip strength or balance, and vision changes can contribute to falls. However, environmental hazards, such as poor lighting, slippery floors, loose rungs, poorly fitting shoes, and bathtub hazards, should be assessed to reduce falling risks. During acute illnesses, older people should have increased assistance. Long-term risks can be reduced by doing a thorough home safety assessment and removing environmental hazards, working with balance exercises and wearing hip pads, which are the most cost effective method for preventing hip fractures in the elderly.
Older people often experience changes in family life such that they are living alone, sometimes for the first time. It is important for older people to be aware of what their physical limitations truly are so as to avoid injuries or place themselves at risk for disease; one of the major complications of hip fractures is hospital-acquired pneumonia. Additionally, the number and dosage of medications often increases with age. Vision and cognition changes should be assessed and all medications should be clearly labeled and a dosing schedule should be established. Family members should also watch for increased side effects due to decreased kidney function in the elderly.
© Kimberly Hindman, 2008
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