The population most at risk
for falls is the elderly. Several factors contribute to older people
falling:
Poor balance
Limited coordination
Slower reflexes
Decreased vision and hearing
Medications which may make them dizzy
The amount of injury
sustained in a fall depends on overall health, the type of fall, and the
treatment and rehabilitation received. The best treatment of falls
is preventing them from occurring in the first place. A safety assessment
of the home can be an important first step to eliminating hazards that
may cause a fall, such as loose throw rugs, uneven stairs, missing railings
on steps, or to put brighter lights in darkened areas. Continuous monitoring
of an elderly person’s medication is also important to assess whether or
not the medication is working and note any side effects. In the last
several years, many programs have been developed that connect an elderly
person to immediate help. Some of these devices include buttons or
bracelets with a button that when pushed, contacts an emergency assistance
service.
