Parkland urges older adults to take steps to prevent falls
Parkland experts say simple steps can help reduce injuries, protect independence
Falls remain the leading cause of injury among older adults, but Parkland Health experts say they don’t have to be. This Falls Prevention Awareness Week, staff at Parkland’s Center for Geriatric Care and Healthy Aging is urging older adults and their families to take steps to stay safe.
Falls can lead to serious injuries. They also decrease the quality of life for older adults and interfere with their independence. Each year, falls lead to about 3 million emergency department visits.
Death rates from unintentional falls among adults 85 and older have more than doubled over the past two decades, according to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
However, falls don’t have to be a normal part of aging. In fact, with some simple precautions and education, most falls can be prevented.
“The U.S. is growing older. With more older adults in the population, there’s a greater risk of those individuals falling. Even though individuals are living much longer, they’re living with chronic health issues,” said LaTrica Rhynes-Hicks, PhD, Clinic Educator in the Center for Geriatric Care and Healthy Aging at Parkland. “If your older adult has fallen or you notice that they’re unsteady, don’t just assume it’s just because they’re older. Make sure that they have some type of assessment and let their provider know so they can help address the problem. Because if we put things in place ahead of time, then we can prevent possible serious injuries.”
The Center for Geriatric Care and Healthy Aging is hosting a series of events to offer fall risk assessments and educational resources at no cost at the following locations:
Thursday, Sept. 25, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Marillac Center (Bilingual Center)
2843 Lapsley Street
Dallas, 75212
Friday, Sept. 26, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Center for Geriatric Care and Healthy Aging
2231 Butler Street
Dallas, 75235
During a fall risk assessment, a specially trained health worker observes a person who is sitting down stand back up, walk to a marked point, turn around and sit back down. Based on that, the health worker can assess the person’s fall risk and provide additional resources and information.
Dr. Rhynes-Hicks says a few simple steps can help older individuals decrease or prevent their likelihood of falls, such as:
- Begin a balance and exercise program to improve strength, flexibility and stability
- Talk to your healthcare provider about your fall risk and share your history of recent falls
- Review your prescription and over-the-counter medications with your doctor or pharmacist regularly to make sure side effects are not increasing your fall risk and take them only as prescribed
- Get your vision and hearing checked every year and update your eyeglasses with new prescription lenses as needed
- Keep your home safe — remove tripping hazards such as rugs and cords, improve lighting and install grab bars and non-slip mats in the shower
- Talk to family members to get their support to help you stay safe
“To keep older adults independent, we need to look at and focus on their physical, mental, social, as well as emotional well-being. If the community can engage in and keep those things in mind, then we can assist older adults in remaining independent,” Dr. Rhynes-Hicks said. “I can tell you my little motto: ‘if you fall, make that call.’ So, call someone and let them know that you have fallen so that you can get the treatment that you need early on.”
To learn more about the Center for Geriatric Care and Healthy Aging, visit www.parklandhealth.org/geriatrics.
For more information about Parkland’s services, please visit www.parklandhealth.org.
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