Falling is a Common Problem

Falling is a common problem for individuals 65 years and older, and it can often lead to a trip to the hospital.

Each year, millions of older adults fall.

In fact, more than one of our four older adults falls each year, but fewer than half will inform their doctor.

Research shows that falling once doubles your chances of falling again.

Falling among older adults are increasing and costly.

According to the CDC, more than 3 million older people are treated in emergency departments and urgent care centers for fall injuries every year.

Did you know?

• Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall
• One out of five falls will cause a serious injury such as a broken bone or a head injury
• More than 800,000 patients a year are hospitalized because of a fall injury; and those falls, a head injury, broken ribs and/or hip fractures may be the result
• Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries
• In 2015, Medicare and Medicaid paid $37 billion in claims due to falling
• If the current trends hold, by 2030 there will be seven deaths every hour due to falls

Research has identified many conditions, or risk factors, that contribute to falling. They include:

• lower body weakness
• vitamin D deficiency
• difficulties with walking and balance
• use of medicines such as over the counter prescriptions can affect balance and how steady you are on your feet
• vision problems
• foot pain or poor footwear
• home hazards or dangers such as broken or uneven steps and throw rugs or clutter that can be tripped over

Most falls are caused by a combination of risk factors, many of which can be managed or changed.

The more risk factors a person has, the greater are the chances of falling.

Our team of staff and caregivers at Assisting Hands can help you reduce your risk by addressing these factors.

When we go out to do client assessments, we always perform a Home Safety Evaluation which checks for common hazards that may cause unecessary falls.

Call us today for a free consultation and assessment.

Care is our business and responsibility.

Call us to arrange care for you or your loved one.

Refer a friend who needs home care.