Similar to the health complications associated with muscle loss...FALLING for older adults, is the most common reason for hospitalization and later immobility!
Why
Do Falls occur?
Falls most often occur in and around the home, or during your
activities of daily living. There are a huge
number of factors that contribute to an unexpected fall. Fall risk factors include:
Intrinsic
Factors (specific to each person): Age-related changes in physical
function, chronic disease (i.e. diabetes or dementia or arthritis), adverse
reactions to prescribed medications (or polypharmacy), being dehydrated, having a bad sleep, etc.
Extrinsic
Factors (specific to one’s immediate environment): Type of
flooring in your home, uneven or damaged walkways, clutter, moving objects,
weather related conditions (i.e. ice or slush)
Situational
Factors (Related to the activity being performed): Rushing to
get out of the house or to the washroom, using unsafe methods of retrieving
objects on a tall shelf, reacting to unexpected situations (i.e. traffic
accidents or trying to catch a falling object)
Being
aware of what the risk factors are
is important because you will know what to
reduce or avoid, allowing you to prevent some avoidable falls.
BUT remember, Avoidance is NOT a proactive plan!
Consequences
of Suffering a Fall
Certain individuals are more susceptible to
fall-related injuries than others, such as a broken hip or head injury. The severity of a fall
related injury depends on an
individual’s frailty (being weak/sickly) and not an individual’s age.
Minor
injuries: Occur with 30 – 50% of falls. Minor injuries include bruising,
abrasions or cuts and overall soreness.
Major
injuries: Occur with 10% of falls. Traumatic brain injuries and hip,
vertebrae or pelvic fractures are common major injuries resulting from a fall.
A combination of the hospitalizations, followed by a long period of bedrest and
the consequences of the injury itself, can lead to long-term disability, reduces
one’s ability to take care of themselves and in some cases, death.
When
the Fall Happens
Different people will react in
different ways when they realise they are heading towards the floor fast! You
may want to reach out and stop the fall with your hands, or you may not be able
to react at all. Both scenarios come with their own injury risks.
And once you are on the floor, how do
you get back up? For frail individuals, standing up from the floor may pose a
challenge even without experiencing a fall. It is important that you know how to utilise
the space (i.e. furniture) to assist you in getting off the floor or have a
plan in place for emergencies. Working with an in-home occupational therapist
is also a good idea.
The number one issue for falls prevention and recovery is muscle loss and its associated complications.
Recovery
from a Fall
After a major injury
occurs (bone fracture, muscle tear or traumatic brain injury), rest and
rehabilitation will be required to before you are able to return to your
regular activities. Rest is the important first step in letting the body repair
itself, but it is essential to seek treatment and get moving as soon as
possible, with the help of rehabilitative specialists, such as physiotherapists or kinesiologists.
Avoid bedrest once you are recovered enough to start functioning independently.
written by Elizabeth Georgiou, Kinesiologist
BODiWORKS Institute
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