Understanding and Preventing Falls

Despite the fact that elderly persons have a 33-35% chance of falling and becoming injured, most are ill-prepared. According to the World Health Organization, falls cause over 50% of accidental injuries and 39% of fatal injuries in the elderly. They are the fifth leading cause of death in the general population. Falls can be either non-mechanical, related to underlying illness or debilitation, or they can be mechanical, related to accidental trips and slips and caused by environmental factors such as poor lighting, surprise steps, lack of grab bars, and slippery bathroom floors. Non-mechanical falls can be related to cognitive disorders, such as stroke or dementia, or to frailty. They can also be related to over-medicating with sedatives, diabetic medications, or blood pressure therapy. Falls can be the consequence of aging or chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or cancer. Patients with any of these disorders may have poor muscle tone, walking disorders, or a loss of equilibrium. Mechanical falls may be completely avoided by fall-proofing the home environment. This book outlines several practical tips for eliminating potential home hazards and reviews each of the major causes of falls to help the patient and his or her caregiver, as well as the health provider, prevent falling by adapting one's lifestyle. The book also covers exercise programs and community programs that can be established and used to minimize the risk of falling in the elderly. Given that falls are common and that the majority of persons who fall are ill-prepared, this book will raise awareness of fall-prevention measures that can help reduce falls and fall-related injuries.