safety | Living Well in the Panhandle

Falling: Not a Normal Part of Aging

by Terri Keith | Oct 11, 2020

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls by older adults aged 65 and up can often result in serious injuries, decreased mobility and a loss of independence. They are common and can happen at a high cost, both financially and in terms of health and lifestyle for the person who falls. Statistics from the CDC show “each year, 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries” and the death rate from falls in the U.S. has been on the rise—30% from 2007 to 2016.

While many falls don’t cause injuries, some do and can leave the person with bruises, sprains, broken bones or head injuries. Even if a person falls without suffering an injury, that fall may lead to a fear of falling. Both the injuries and the fear of falling can lead a person to limit their daily activities. By being less active, the person increases their risk of falling again.

It’s not all bad news though. Many falls are preventable and several of the steps you can take for yourself or a loved one are low or no cost. Start by looking for risk factors. These are conditions that increase the chances of a fall happening. Here are some to be aware of:

Taking more than 2 medications daily.
Having a hearing and/or vision impairment.
Experiencing dizziness when getting up, changing positions, or walking.
Having trouble getting in and out of a chair, walking, picking up objects from the floor or reaching overhead without holding on to something.
Having throw rugs, cluttered walkways, uneven surfaces or slippery floors.
Navigating stairs without rails.
Having poor lighting conditions.
Wearing shoes with high heels or slippery soles.
Having fallen in the past year or being afraid of falling.

Many of these can be corrected or managed. One of the key steps to preventing falls is talking with your doctor and pharmacist. They can help with evaluating your risk and advise you on specific things you can do, especially in terms of problems with hearing, vision or medications. Staying active or following exercise routines can help with balance and strength. Here is a link to some beginner level exercises to start with if you’re not already exercising.

An elderly persons bathroom with grab bars and a shower chair.

An elderly persons bathroom can be made safer by adding items that will help them maneuver easier. Photo Credit: UF/IFAS Marisol Amador

Do a check of your home to see if you have any of the risk factors above and correct them. Here are some other steps you can take at home:

Keeping a lamp beside the bed means you don’t have to walk through the dark at night to get to the light switch. Photo credit: Terri Keith, UF/IFAS Extension

Lower shelves 3 inches for easier access; adjust closet rods to keep clothes within reach.
Use a reacher or grabber for items that are too high. NEVER use a chair as a step stool.
Install or add more lighting in your home especially near walkways, stairs and entrances.
Keep a lamp and flashlight by your bed and night lights where needed.
Install or secure handrails on both sides of the stairs and use them every time.
Make sure walkways are clear and uncluttered. Remove or secure throw rugs, cords and hoses out of the way.
Use textured surfaces for patios, driveways and stairs. Mark any changes in floor level with reflective tape.
Be aware of your pet’s location when you stand or walk so they don’t trip you.
Install and use grab bars to help with getting in and out of the bath safely.
Use a rubber mat in your bathtub or shower.
Install a handheld showerhead and use it with a bath bench or chair when showering.

If a fall does happen, even if there were no injuries, it’s a good idea to let your doctor know about it the next time you see them. It can help alert them to new medical problems or a need to review your prescriptions. Taking these steps can help reduce the risk of a fall and stop the cycle of falling from being repeated.

Resources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Home and Recreational Safety: https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/index.html and https://www.cdc.gov/homeandrecreationalsafety/falls/adultfalls.html

University of Florida, IFAS: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy734 and https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy733

National Institute on Aging: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/prevent-falls-and-fractures and https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/fall-proofing-your-home

Riding Safely at Every Age

by Ginny Hinton | Jun 5, 2013

The proper seat correctly installed helps keep children safe.

Dawson is a healthy, active 3-year-old whose mom makes sure he eats right, learns something new every day, and rides safely in the car. Until a few months ago, Dawson, who weighs 42 pounds and is 42 inches tall, traveled in a booster seat. When his mom learned that, because of his age, Dawson would be safer in a 5-point harness, she moved him to a safer car seat and made sure it was installed correctly. Just a few weeks ago, Dawson was riding in the car with relatives when someone drove in front of them and caused a 45 mph crash, totaling both cars. One of the adults fractured her collarbone; another suffered a concussion. Dawson bit his tongue and was really scared – but he was unhurt. Dawson’s mom says she is truly thankful she put him in the correct car seat. Because car seats are made to survive only one crash, she has already replaced his old seat and Dawson continues to travel safely in the car.

Dawson’s story can happen to any child. It’s important that every parent know how to keep their children safe on the roads. Here are some quick pointers to keep children safe at every age:

All infants and toddlers should ride in a Rear-Facing Car Seat until they are 2 years old or until they reach the highest weight/height allowed by the manufacturer. Rear-facing is the safest way to travel!
Children 2 years to at least 4 years old and 40 pounds should use a Forward-Facing Car Seat with a harness for as long as possible. Keeping a child who weighs more than 40 pounds in a harness is the safest practice, as long as the seat’s weight limits are followed.
Children whose weight or height is above the forward-facing limit for their car seat should use a Belt-Positioning Booster Seat until the vehicle seat belt fits properly, typically when they are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall and are between 8 and 12 years old. Children using a booster seat should be able to sit reasonably still for an entire trip.
Children who are old enough and large enough to use the vehicle seat belt alone should always use both Lap and Shoulder Belts for the best protection. Children younger than 13 years should sit in the back seat.

Certified Child Passenger Safety Technicians (CPSTs) are trained to help caregivers make sure their children are traveling safely. Find a CPST near you at http://cert.safekids.org.