What can we do to prevent falls in nursing homes?

           Prevent Falls in Nursing Homes

Each year, long-term care facilities with an average census of 100 elderly residents, report 100 to 200 falls per year. Of those that fall, 1,800 will die.

Those who don't die as a result of the fall sustain serious injuries have limited ambulation and their quality of life is significantly reduced.

Elder Care Services Bangalore

The causes of these falls are termed risk factors. The top five risk factors that contribute to falls in nursing homes are osteoporosis, lack of physical activity, impaired vision, medications, and environmental hazards.

In addition, lack of knowledge and fall prevention contributes to the higher incidence of falls in long-term care facilities.

Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become very porous, less resistant to stress, and more prone to fractures.

Another risk factor that contributes to falls in the elderly is a lack of physical activity which can result in poor muscle tone, decreased strength, and loss of bone mass and flexibility.

All of these deficits can contribute to falls. Prevention tips include regular exercise designed to increase muscle and bone strength such as with physical and occupational therapy and restorative services.

Also, residents should always wear proper fitting shoes with low heels or rubber soles.

A person with a visual impairment also has a greater risk of falling. Age-related vision diseases increase the risk for falls.

Cataracts and glaucoma alter the resident's depth perception, visual acuity and may cause glares. This may hinder the resident's ability to navigate safely around their environment.

To prevent this, residents of long-term care facilities should have annual eye examinations to determine the extent of the age-related eye disease, and what modifications should be implemented to make their environment safer.

Medications are often overlooked as risk factors for falls but medications are often one of the most influential risk factors of falls in the elderly.

Sedatives, anti-depressants, and anti-psychotic drugs can contribute to falls because they reduce mental alertness, worsening balance, and gait, and can cause the blood pressure to drop while standing.

Medical staff can prevent this by being aware of all of the side effects of residents' medications, encourage physicians to use the lowest dose possible,

have anti-psychotic medications reviewed, and attempt trial reductions and eliminations of these types of medications.

It is a known fact that the risks of falls increase with age. Even though most falls do not result in death, they can result in serious injuries as well as have a profound psychological impact on the resident.

The key is prevention. Fall prevention in long-term care facilities has to be a combination of medication monitoring, rehabilitation to increase physical strength and wellness, and environmental changes.

Read More