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Fall prevention: It starts with a conversation

Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center - March 30, 2023

As we grow older, our risk of falling increases. In fact, 25% of Americans age 65 and older report falling.

This can threaten health and independence, and while falls have increased in the older adult population, falls are not a normal part of aging. Simply, falls can be prevented.

The statistics are sobering

At EIRMC, falls are the #1 cause of traumatic injury and the #2 cause of traumatic death. In fact, across the nation, 20% of falls cause a serious injury such as a head wound or broken bone; falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury.

Falls can be prevented

The first step to lower the risk of falling is to speak with your primary care provider (PCP). Here are some common questions to discuss with your provider:

  • Have you fallen in the last year?
  • Are you scared to fall? This may lead to inactivity which will cut down on your everyday enjoyment which may cause you to become weaker and increased your fall risk.
  • Are you using a walker or a cane to get around, or have you been advised to use them?
  • Do you feel unsteady or weak when you walk? Do you hold on to furniture or walls to balance yourself?
  • When getting up from a chair, do you use the arm chair or table to push up with from?
  • Do you have trouble going up or down steps?
  • Do you have neuropathy in your feet?
  • Does your medication make you light headed or tired?
  • Do you take medications to help you sleep, for pain, to help you relax or for your mood?
  • Do you take medications for blood pressure?
  • Do you take blood thinners?
  • Do you drink alcohol?

These questions can start a dialog with your PCP. During that discussion, your provider can review your current medications to see if they increase your fall risk (be sure to always take an updated medication list to all appointments).

Your provider may also refer you to a physical and/or occupational therapy to gain strength and balance, which in turn decreases your risk for falling. Therapy can be done at your home with home health or in an outpatient setting.

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