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American Medicine

As people age, there is a loss of mobility and an increased tendency to falls. This can result in concussions (e.g. Hillary Clinton), brain bleeding, fractures, and even death. Because this is such a problem in aging, you need to be aware of how to prevent falls and preserve maximum mobility.

In institutions (hospitals, nursing homes) as well as in private homes  where you are taking care of elderly family members, at least 20% of falls can be easily prevented (reviewed by doctors Sinha and Detsky, Journal of the American Medical Association volume 308, page 2573 published in 2013).  Despite this, 1 in every 5 patients in a hospital falls during a hospital stay.

Here are my tips to prevent falls:

• Ask your doctor to evaluate gait and mobility
• Request a physical therapy and occupational therapy consultations and treatments to maximize mobility and safe transfers.
• Create environments for elderly that reduce risks of falling, including lower beds, padded floors, and wearing grip socks.
• Consider aids such as canes, walkers, and wheelchairs
• Encourage physical activity and strengthening exercises.

Caring for the elderly: prevent falls

For more tips, see Chapter 23 Caring for the Elderly in my book Surviving American Medicine. Prevention could save the life of a