Falls not a normal part of getting older! Adi Phillips Falls s - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Falls – not a normal part of getting older!

Adi Phillips Falls s Preve vent ntion ion Coordin inato ator South th West t Hampsh pshir ire

With thanks to Dawn Skelton

Falls in the UK

We all fall throughout life The risk increases as we get older Falls are a sign of something going on Injuries can be more serious with age

When do we become “fallers” instead of “trippers”?

When our ability to remain upright cannot cope with challenges in our environment Nervous system, reaction times and gait speed slows Balance and strength deteriorates Injuries – fracture site changes

For people with Osteoporosis

95% hip fractures are caused by a fall If you don’t fall, you won’t fracture your hip/wrist

Reasons why people fall:

Personal Vision Medications Feet & footwear Strength & Balance Fear of falling Behavioural Risky behaviour Not taking advice Alcohol Environmental Indoors Outdoors

Falls & Vision

98% of people aged 65 and

• ver wear glasses

83% of people living with sight loss are over 60 6 million older people in the UK do not have regular eye tests The rate of falls in older people with visual impairment is 1.7 times higher than those without visual problems

Recommendations

Have an eye test every year Separate pairs of distance and reading glasses are recommended – but take care! Beware bifocals/varifocals on stairs/steps Wear sunglasses/hat in bright sunshine Cataract surgery reduces falls Adaptations & advice available from Sensory Impairment team & Open Sight

Medicines

As we get older, we may take more medicines Medicines interact with each

• ther

We become more sensitive to the effects of medicines

Medicines

• Keep an up to date list of your medicines with you and know what

they’re for, but don’t stop taking anything without talking to the Doctor

• Ask your Doctor to review your medicines annually or book a

Medicines Use Review with your Pharmacist

• If you notice any unusual feelings with new medicines, tell the

Doctor – if a medicine doesn’t suit you there are others!

• Ask the Pharmacist before buying over the counter medicines – they

may cause a reaction with other medication you’re taking

• Alcohol and medicines don’t mix!

Feet & Balance

Feet are important in balance Bunions, stiff joints, pain and reduced feeling in feet affect our balance and can lead to a fall Some types of footwear

• r walking in socks

indoors, can also contribute to falls

Happy Feet

Wash and dry feet daily Apply moisturiser to keep skin healthy Check feet regularly Cut toe nails regularly (Age Concern nail cutting clinics) Contact GP or Podiatrist if foot pain develops or if you notice reduced sensation

What makes a shoe unsafe?

Slip-on shoes eg sling backs

• r moccasins can slip off

and cause a trip Shoes with slippery or worn soles Shoes with heels higher than 1” or with a narrow

• heel. These make the foot

unstable and can cause your ankle to turn

What makes a shoe safe?

A firm heel collar to provide stability A low broad heel to maximise contact with the ground A flexible, lightweight, slip- resistant and rubber sole Secure adjustable fastening eg velcro, laces or straps with buckles An anti-slip device reduces falls in icy weather

Feeling dizzy

Not a usual symptom Take note of – When does it start? How long does it last? Does it happen when you move?

Falls & ‘giddiness’

Postural hypotension – when blood pressure drops on change of position from lying to sitting

• r sit to stand

Can be due to medication, dehydration, illness Have your Blood Pressure checked by a nurse, medicines reviewed by your GP or pharmacist Don’t rush when getting up Drink plenty of fluids

Hydration

Drink a minimum of 8 drinks a day (about 2 litres- unless otherwise advised by Gp – e.g renal failure) Any fluid counts except alcohol Eat water rich fruits such as melon, citrus fruits Eat foods which are high in fluid content such as ice cream, lollies, jellies and nourishing soups

Environmental Causes of Falls

Indoors: Clutter Poor lighting Loose rugs, flooring Steps/stairs Outdoors: Paths & walkways Weather Public transport

Is your home safe?

Who can help? Occupational Therapy

• Health
• Social Services

Handyman Services Fire Service

Can I get up from the floor?

Have a plan If it happens - don’t panic Check over – if injured, call for help… While waiting for help to arrive, keep warm, keep moving. If uninjured, crawl to a solid piece of furniture and pull up on it Rest Tell your Doctor, nurse or carer

A challenge…

Studies show that by 12 months, on average only half of community-dwelling older people will listen and put into practice advice from health professionals on ways to reduce their risk of falling.

• 1. Nyman SR, Victor CR. Age Ageing. 2011;40(4):430-6.
• 2. Nyman SR, Victor CR. Age Ageing. 2012;41(1):16-23.

So…..

Falls are preventable!

Falls are not a normal part of getting older What can you do today to reduce your risk of

falling?

Thank you for listening