Falls are a major cause of injury, disability and even death in the elderly. Falls can cause
moderate to severe injuries, such as hip fractures and head injuries, and can
increase the risk of early death.
This is a problem with great significance in our society. It is expected that one third of people older than 64 years living in the community, fall within the period of one year. Falls are the leading cause of injury death. They are also the most common cause
of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma. Several studies agree that the elderly have an increased risk of falls.
The nurse has a fundamental task in the prevention of this problem in the different levels of care. In the case of primary care, as a professional who performs home visits, she can detect and modify aspects that increase the risk for the elderly to fall.
How can older adults prevent falls?
- Exercise regularly. It is important that the exercises focus on increasing leg strength and improving balance.
- Ask their doctor or pharmacist to review their medicines—both prescription and over-the counter—to identify medicines that might cause side effects or interactions such as dizziness or drowsiness.
- Make their homes safer by reducing tripping hazards.
- Adding grab bars inside and outside the tub or shower and next to the toilet.
- Adding railings on both sides of stairways.
- Improving the lighting in their homes.
- Have their eyes checked by an eye doctor at least once a year and update their eyeglasses to maximize their vision.
As nurses, we must be aware of these details, even more if possible, to prevent the problem and its consequences.
Bibliography
- Zenewton André da Silva Gama, Antonia Gómez-Conesa. Factores de riesgo de caídas en ancianos: revisión sistemática. Rev Saúde Pública 2008;42(5):946-56. Disponible en: http://www.scielo.br/pdf/rsp/v42n5/6793.pdf
