Blog posts tagged with 'fall management'

Stay Safe this winter – Think Fall Prevention

 

 

 

 

 

Anyone can have a fall, but older people are more vulnerable and likely to fall, especially if they have a long-term health condition.

Falls are a common, but often overlooked, cause of injury. Around 1 in 3 adults over 65 who live at home will have at least one fall a year, and about half of these will have more frequent falls.

Most falls do not result in serious injury. But there's always a risk that a fall could lead to broken bones, and it can cause the person to lose confidence, become withdrawn, and feel as if they have lost their independence.

We are also heading towards the cold winter months and difficult weather conditions – slippery paths and icy conditions. So, you need to consider a fall prevention strategy for the months ahead and stay safe.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here are Repton Medical's Top 7 suggestions for preventing falls in the elderly during the Winter months and staying safe.

 

 

1.     Plan ahead. When possible, plan trips around the weather. If you do not need to go out, don’t go out. Wait for the weather and travel conditions to          become clear.
2.     Allow enough time to get where you are going. The chances of falling increase when you rush and use less caution.
3.      Exercise caution when getting into and out of vehicles and your home. Always hold securely to a door or another person.
        Take the path of least resistance. Look for the safest route to your location, including the paths into buildings. Choose alternate routes when necessary.
4.      Ask for help. Ask someone to help you navigate slippery or unsafe paths.
5.     Wear the right clothes - warm and dry . Wear gloves if necessary , to keep hands free for stabilization and balance.
6.    Wear appropriate footwear inside and outside. Consider slipper’s and sock’s thread and gripper protection. Extra protection can be worn.  Wear shoes      or boots with rough-textured soles that provide good grip in all kinds of weather conditions. 
7. Keep Warm and dry at all times. Look after yourself and help protect your heat.

 

 

Repton Medical have an amazing range of products to help and prevent falls in the home.

 

Visit our website today.

https://www.reptonmedical.co.uk/fall-protection-prevention-…

 

Around 35% of over 65’s will fall in the space of a year, and that figure rises rapidly to approximately 50% for those aged 80 and over. Falls can happen to anyone regardless of age or medical condition. Many falls are caused by a mixture of factors such as slips and trips, reduced mobility, age or being on medication.

At Repton Medical, we aim to help you prevent falls and fall related injuries in every environment! Bathrooms are one of the most dangerous rooms in the home for elderly people to fall. Currently, 80% of falls happen in the bathroom due to the multitude of unforgiving and slippery surfaces. The floor can easily become wet and slippery, making it easier for falls to happen due to a lack of balance. Getting in and out of the bath or shower is a common time for people to experience a fall.

Are you committed to reducing falls in your facility or area of work? At Repton Medical we pride ourselves on research and our commitment to patient safety. We continue to conduct research and provide education within healthcare markets. We listen and cooperate with the EU, industry, institutions and healthcare professionals to ensure better practice for the safety or patients and staff alike.

Around 35% of over 65’s will fall in the space of a year, and that figure rises rapidly to approximately 50% for those aged 80 and over. Falls destroy confidence, increase isolation and diminish independence. They can happen to anyone regardless of age or medical condition. Many falls are caused by a mixture of factors such as slips and trips, reduced mobility, age or being on medication.

Dementia describes a series of symptoms that occurs when the brain is damaged by a disease such as Alzheimer’s or a stroke. The symptoms of dementia may include memory loss and even difficulties with thinking, talking and problem-solving. There are currently an estimated 800,000 people in the UK living with dementia and the number of cases is increasing significantly each year. By 2040 this figure is expected to have doubled.

Around 35% of over 65s will fall in a year, rising approximately to 50% for those aged 80 and over...

Falls have become a major public health problem as they often require medical attention. 20-30% of mild to severe injuries are caused through falls and they are the underlying cause of 10-15% of all emergency department visits. More than 50% of fall related admissions are among people over 65 years with injuries like hip fractures, traumatic brain and upper limb fractures and sprains.

After taking sensible precautions and being aware of the risks, falls can still occur. Firstly, it is important not to panic when you fall and although you may feel a little shaken or shocked, staying calm and remaining in control of the situation will help you gather your thoughts and remember what you need to do. Before you take any action, you need to consider whether you feel able to get up again.

Falls can be caused by a combination of factors, both to do with objects in the environment and health related issues. Many healthcare symptoms can increase the risk of falls. These can include muscle stiffness, muscle spasm, weakness and numbness, tremor, pain and fatigue. These problems are sometimes caused by interruptions to the communication between the brain and the rest of the body. If the patient’s brain says move but the communication doesn't reach the leg, it can result in a fall.