Aging & Health A to Z
Falls Prevention
Lifestyle & Management
Monitoring
A regular review of your progress in your falls prevention program is part of standard care. Make sure that your healthcare professional checks your gait, balance, strength and coordination as part of your regular check-ups. Your provider must also keep track of how you respond to any changes in medicines, or in dosages.
Complications of Falls
Since falls are associated with serious injuries, especially among older people, it is extremely important to have yourself evaluated and undertake a falls prevention program if necessary. Fractures and brain injuries that result from falls in older people are extremely common. A head injury can also cause bleeding in the brain, a potentially fatal complication. Many fractures, like hip fractures, which are a frequent consequence of a fall in older people, are linked to loss of independence, admission to a nursing home and, too often, death. Prevention is the best medicine for avoiding this outcome.
Managing Someone at Risk of a Fall: Enlist a Geriatrician
If you or someone you’re caring for has a high risk of falling, consider seeing a geriatrician. These physicians have advanced training in the care of older adults, including those with multiple healthcare needs. Geriatrics healthcare professionals, such as geriatrics nurse practitioners, also have advanced training in caring for older people with balance problems and other health problems related to falling.
Updated: March 2012
Posted: March 2012