Falls are serious at any age, but especially for older people who are more likely to break a bone when they fall. Falls are the most common cause of nursing home placement. The risk of falling increases with age. Keep in mind, falls and accidents seldom "just happen."
Medicines that lower blood pressure can cause balance problems and dizziness, leading to falls and injuries. High blood pressure affects many older people, whose bones tend to be weaker, and for whom a fall injury-such as a broken bone- can have serious health consequences.
High blood pressure (140/90 mmHg or higher) is referred to as "the silent killer" because it usually has no specific symptoms and no early warning signs. Both you and the senior in your care should have blood pressure checked regularly.
Researchers studied whether there was any link between the number of people taking blood pressure drugs and the number of people who had serious falls. Compared with people not taking blood pressure drugs, those taking the drugs were most likely to have a serious fall. But remember, you or the person in your care, should NEVER change medications without the doctor's advice.
Regular exercise as well as regular eye and physical exams may help reduce the risk of falling. Getting rid of tripping hazards in the home will also help. Getting calcium and vitamin D reduces the chance of breaking a bone if a fall does occur. If the person in your care has osteoporosis, they are more likely to break a bone if they fall. Osteoporosis is called the "silent disease" because bones become weak with no symptoms. People often find out they have it when a strain, bump, fall, or even a cough causes a bone to break. Suggest the person in your care get tested.
Preventing Falls
- To reduce the risk of falls:
- Use a cane or walker, if needed
- Wear low-heeled rubber-soled shoes that don't slip and d not walk in socks, stockings, or slippers
- Walk on grass when sidewalks are slick
- Put salt or kitty litter on icy sidewalks
- Keep floors free of clutter
- Be sure rugs have skid-proof backs
- Stairs should be well lit with handrails on both sides
- Put grab bars on bathroom walls near tubs, showers, and toilet
- Use a nonskid bath mat in the shower or tub
- Keep a flashlight next to the bed
- Keep rooms well lit
Fainting
- Fainting can be caused by-
- A heart attack and change in blood pressure
- Medications
- Low blood sugar
- Straining to have a bowel movement
- Dehydration
Sometimes fainting can be prevented:
- Ask the doctor if medications that do not cause fainting can be prescribed
- Monitor blood sugar levels
- Monitor blood pressure
- Avoid constipation
- Do not let the person stand up or sit too rapidly
If a fainting spell occurs:
- Do not try to place the person in a sitting position. Instead, immediately lay him down flat.
- Check the person's airway, breathing and pulse.
- Turn the person on his side.
- Elevate the legs.
- Cover him with a blanket if the room or floor is cold.
- Do not give fluids.
- Call 911 if the person is having difficulty breathing or is not breathing or is not responding to your voice or touch.
- If not breathing, be prepared togive Rescue Breathing and start CPR as instructed by 911.
