Should we help the elderly who have fallen? Many people are criticizing the indifference of some people, while others are always emphasizing “so many porcelain phenomenon, and even conclude that some bad people have become old”. In fact, falls of the elderly is an inevitable physiological process in normal human aging, but also an international problem.
Although falls can occur in people of any age. However, as people age, the number of falls and the severity of the injuries they cause increase. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal disease episodes in people over the age of 65. Common fall-induced illnesses include head trauma, shoulder and wrist fractures, spinal fractures, pelvic fractures, and hip fractures.
Falls are often the first event in the loss of independence in older adults, as they are often caught in a vicious cycle of fear of falling again – refusal of any physical activity – further decline in physical function – and falling again. -falling again. The end result then is that the older person is hospitalized with injuries, has reduced mobility and self-care, and eventually has to be cared for year-round (often in nursing homes abroad).
In 2000, the cost of treating direct or indirect illnesses caused by falls exceeded $19 billion, while data show that more than 90% of hip fractures are caused by falls. 75% of hip fractures occur in women, and even with the best related treatment, only 25% of hip fracture patients are able to fully recover. Even with the best treatment, only 25 percent of hip fracture patients fully recover; 40 percent require professional care in nursing homes; 50 percent are dependent on crutches or walkers for life; and the mortality rate is as high as 20 percent one year after injury.
Therefore, educating the elderly to avoid falls is the obligation of every doctor and every child, which will not only reduce the suffering of the elderly, but also greatly reduce the burden associated with society, families and individuals.
Triggers of falls
Many factors contribute to the increased risk of falls in older adults, such as many medical conditions and personal lifestyle habits. This article lists only the most common factors and suggests fall prevention education for your patients and parents if they have several of the following problems
Disease factors.
1.Loss of muscle strength, gait abnormalities and osteoporosis
2. Cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), blood pressure often fluctuates greatly (not just hypertension)
3, depression
4, Alzheimer’s disease
5, arthritis, significant loss of hip muscle strength or muscle strength imbalance (muscle strength: muscle strength)
6, neurological disorders, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis
7, urethral and bladder dysfunction
8, vision or hearing loss
Personal factors
1. Age. The risk of falls increases with age. Normal human aging gradually affects vision, balance, strength and quick reaction time.
2. Activity. Lack of exercise will lead to a more rapid decline in balance, coordination, bone mass and muscle strength.
3, lifestyle habits. Excessive alcohol consumption and smoking reduces bone strength. Alcohol consumption can also lead to a decline in the body’s balance and rapid reaction ability.
4, diet. Poor nutrition in daily diet, especially for the elderly to reduce the toilet will reduce water consumption, which will greatly affect the strength and energy of the elderly.
Family factors
1.Slippery floor, especially after the elderly clean up
2, poor lighting in the home, especially in order to save electricity, Chinese elderly people like to use low brightness lamps and lanterns, and worry about affecting the rest of the family at night and do not turn on the lights
3.Inadequate footwear, the elderly should specifically chase after non-slip shoes
4, family clutter, especially to help children with children’s families
According to statistics, most of the fractures of the elderly fall at home, so the elderly living in the home should take into account the relevant fall prevention factors.
How to prevent
I. Know your health and medication
1. Have an eye exam and cardiovascular exam at least once a year.
2. Maintain adequate calcium and vitamin D in your diet.
3. Stop smoking.
4. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
5, the daily medication you take for a summary of the file, preferably into a card to carry, so that doctors and others can clearly know your medication to take.
6, pay attention to the drug instructions, many drugs can cause fatigue or mental status changes, which greatly increases your risk of falling.
Make sure all medications are clearly labeled and stored in a well-lit area.
8. Drink water regularly.
Second, exercise
1, according to your specific situation to develop a suitable, effective exercise program.
2, if health allows, participate in some can increase agility, strength, balance, coordination exercise program. Walking, dancing, proper strength training can help improve bone strength and reduce the process of osteoporosis.
3. Participate in more peer-related activities and share your respective exercise programs to improve your health and quality of life.
Choose the right shoes for you
1. Wear non-slip shoes that fit your feet. Avoid wearing pointed-toe shoes and high-heeled shoes.
2.Try to wear shoes that do not require lacing.
3.If you have trouble putting your shoes on with a long-handled shoe pull.
4, shoe fit is always the most important, timely replacement of shoes that have been deformed, too loose.
Fourth, improve the home environment
Numerous studies have shown that even the simplest safety modifications can significantly reduce the chances of falls and the risk of related injuries.
Bedroom
1. There should be a desk lamp, telephone and flashlight on the bedside table.
2, the bed height is appropriate for bunk beds.
3.Replace too smooth sheets and covers and replace them with products made of rough materials, such as wool or cotton, to avoid falls caused by elderly people stepping on the sheets and covers inadvertently.
4.The height of the closet is suitable, and the clothes placed in it are easy to obtain.
5.Install night lights along the bedroom and between the bathroom.
6.Keep the floor clean.
Living room
1.Rational arrangement of furniture, the passage between the living room and the bedroom should be clear and easy to follow.
2. No low items such as coffee tables, low stools and storage boxes should be placed between the passageways.
3. Every door in your home has room lighting switches at both ends to ensure that every room you enter can be kept bright when you enter, without having to feel the dark to find the switch.
4, Only walk in well-lit rooms and living rooms.
5, the circuit, network lines should be buried inside the wall or under the floor, do not speak for the convenience of the circuit board and its electrical lines across the channel between the letter.
6, the carpet should use double-sided tape, nails or corresponding anti-slip measures to fix, avoid protruding rolled up.
7, do not sit on too short chair or sofa, for the elderly they sit on it is difficult to stand up.
8, once the wooden floor becomes prominent to be replaced in a timely manner.
9, there must not be any doorway on the passage.
Kitchen
1.No carpet should be used in the kitchen.
2, once any liquid, grease or food spilled on the floor, must be cleaned up immediately, preferably called young people to clean up.
3.Food, tableware and cooking equipment are easily accessible.
4, absolutely avoid standing on the chair or box to take the internal movement of things.
5, the use of non-slip floor wax.
Bathroom
1, the use of non-slip carpet, or wash after a large bath towel pavement.
2, being installed on the shower wall bath liquid ware, avoid using soap or bottle bath liquid.
3.Install handrails on the walls of the bathroom.
4. Keep the night light in the bathroom.
5.No glassware or breakable objects in the bathroom.
V. Precautions after a fall
1. Do not panic, first lie on the floor for help.
2.If you are alone at home, move your limbs slowly to assess whether you are injured.
3.If you can move, slowly climb to the nearest wall, sofa or chair and try to get up.
4.If you are unable to move or crawl up, call your family, neighbors or 112 as soon as possible.