Common Reasons Why Seniors Fall

Common Reasons Why Seniors Fall

Accidental falls are by far the most common cause of injury-related visits elderly people have to make when visiting an Emergency Room, doctor or urgent treatment facility. In some cases, these unfortunate accidents even result in death. As a person becomes older, the chances of serious injuries occurring due to falls increases.

Many elderly people will experience a fall during their advanced age years. For elderly people living in an assisted living facility, this is especially true. In fact, a full third of older people living in community-dwellings experience a fall, while nearly 60% of people in nursing homes do the same. Before entering yourself or a loved one into an assisted living situation, it can be useful to research the amount of falls they have at the facility each year.

Due to the frequency and likelihood of a fall, it is important to understand the most common reasons for their occurrence. Many of the causes listed are intrinsic factors while others are a result of poorly thought out or hazardous environments. Doing so will help you avoid hazardous situations, and hopefully let you avoid the overwhelming likelihood of becoming another statistic. Here is a list of the most frequent causes of falls in the elderly:

  • Accidents
  • Vertigo
  • Environmental Hazards
  • Falling From a Bed
  • Visual Disorder
  • Central Nervous System Disorder
  • Postural Hypotension
  • Acute Illness
  • Syncope
  • Epilepsy
  • Medications
  • Alcohol
  • Gait Disturbance
  • Weakness & Fatigue
  • Arthritis Complications
  • Drop Attacks
  • Balance Disorders

After you have had a chance to realize how many factors play into the possibility of falls, it becomes easier to understand why they are so common. Some of these situations, such as environmental hazards and falling from a bed can be avoided with the right care taken to the safety of a living environment, while others require a much more detailed approach. Ensuring any elderly person under your care is not over-medicated or put into situations that are hazardous due to their disabilities is important to protecting them against falls.

For those elderly people who live alone and want to avoid falls, consulting with your doctor and loved ones about ways to prevent falls is of utmost importance. In the case a fall does occur, it is also important to have a plan for how you will handle it. Investing in home emergency call systems is an excellent way to ensure you get the help you need in a timely and effective manner.

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