Prevention of slips, trips and falls is important to enable older adults to maintain active, independent and healthy lifestyles.

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Why Preventing Slips, Trips and
Falls among Older Adults Is
Important
Prevention of slips, trips and falls is important
to enable older adults to maintain active,
independent and healthy lifestyles.
Slips, trips and falls occur unexpectedly.
According to the Centers
for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), every
year, 1 out of 3 adults
falls, resulting in severe
disabilities. Unintentional
fall injuries led to the
death of about 20,400
older adults in 2009.
Leading healthcare centers offer slip and fall
prevention programs to help older adults
maintain wellness and quality of life.
Specific Issues Caused By Slips and
Falls
Injuries caused by falls lead to a sedentary
lifestyle, impaired function, fear of falling, loss
of confidence, and a lower quality of life. Here
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are some of the physical disabilities and
medical conditions that an older adult can face
due to a fall:
• Moderate to severe injuries - lacerations,
hip fractures, or head traumas which limit
mobility and affect the ability to lead an
independent lifestyle. These injuries can
also cause early death
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI). According to
CDC data, such injuries are responsible for
most of the fatal falls among older adults
• Falls account for most fractures of the
spine, hip, forearm, leg, ankle, pelvis,
upper arm, and hand
The fear of falling among older people makes
them limit their activities, which in turn,
reduces their mobility, impairs physical fitness,
and increases their risk of falling.
Slip/Fall Prevention Program
Preventive health services are important to
help older adults lead a healthier and more
active lifestyle. Leading healthcare centers
offer effective fall risk assessment and
conditioning programs for older people. A
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typical slip and fall prevention would include
the following:
• Assessment of the candidate’s physical and
functional abilities to identify the risk of
falling
• Identifying the diverse factors that lead to
risk
• Modifying the risk factors
• Measures to improve mobility and enhance
independence
Enrollment in the program is based on a
doctor's referral which would take account of
increased risk due to age, history, medication
changes, muscle changes, degenerative joint
disease, osteoporosis, and so on.
The first step is the assessment. Both physical
and environmental factors that put the
participant at a risk of falling are identified.
Physical factors relate to strength balance,
walking speed and more, while environmental
factors relate to hazards in the home
environment that can cause a person to slip,
trip or fall.
The actual program begins with a thorough
evaluation. The participant’s general health,
blood pressure, heart rate, knee and ankle
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strength and balance are analyzed. Gait
analysis is also performed. The results of the
tests will help the physician determine the
factors that put the participant at risk. If the
factors are physical, in-clinic and home
exercises are recommended. These exercises
can improve
• Strength
• Balance
• Walking speed
• Step length
• Cardiovascular fitness
• Flexibility
Participants are also provided with guidance on
eliminating the risk factors in the home
environment which can cause them to fall.
These may include poor lighting, unstable
seating, unsteady handrails, objects in
pathways, wet floors, and much more.
Posted by: HealthQuest
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