Fall Prevention

Facts and Stats

About one third of the elder population over the age of 65 falls each year, and the risk of falls increases proportionately with age. At 80 years, over half of seniors fall annually. Falls are the leading cause of death due to injury among the elderly, and 87% of all fractures in the elderly are due to falls. Falls account for 25% of all hospital admissions, and 40% of all nursing home admissions. 40% of those admitted do not return to independent living; 25% die within a year. Every year, about 235,000 people over age 15 visit emergency rooms because of injuries suffered in the bathroom. Preventing Falls in the Bathroom

Use nonskid mats or carpet on floor surfaces that may get wet.

Preventing Falls during Rest and Sleep Install bed rails on both sides of the bed to prevent one from rolling and falling out of bed while sleeping. Place a non-slip mat next to the bed to prevent individuals from slipping on tile, wood, or linoleum floors.

Install grab bars on walls around the tub and beside the toilet, strong enough to hold your weight. Add nonskid mats or appliques to bathtubs. Mount liquid soap dispenser on the bathtub-wall. Install a portable, hand-held showerhead. Add a padded bath or shower seat. Install a raised toilet seat if needed.

Wear gripped socks or thick-soled shoes while walking, getting out of a chair or bed to prevent falls. Preventing Falls while Getting around Town Position tip guard properly on wheelchair to prevent individuals from falling backwards Wear the wheelchair seatbelt at all times Place grip tape (contrasted color) at the end of

railings and at the bottom of a staircase to prevent falling down the stairs.

2. Rise

Place cut tennis balls on the bottom of all four legs of a walker to easily

manipulate the walker on all surfaces.

When using a walker or cane, it is important to stand up straight and be aware of your surroundings. Put nightlights at the end of the stairs and in dark hallways to help aluminate walkways and decrease the risk of falling

3. Sit

How to get up from a Fall

1. Prepare

If you have any questions regarding this article, feel free to contact megan.mccarthy@scranton.edu References The American Occupational Therapy Association. (2011, August 16). Aota.org. Retrieved from http://www.aota.org Spoelstra, S. L., Given, B. A., & Given, C. W. (2012). Fall Prevention in Hospitals: An Integrative Review. Clinical Nursing Research, 21(1), 92-112. doi:10.1177/1054773811418106.