Senior Assisted Living Care Home - Glendora, CA - Adora Hills

Glendora Senior Care Home

Falls

Reduce The Risk Of A Broken Hip – Seniors Are The Most Frequent Victims

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The “hip” design allows for movements on a combination of planes: side-to-side, flexion and extension, and internal and external rotation.

The hip is a large, ball-and-socket joint.  It is made up of two parts.  The acetabulum (socket), is carved into the hip bone.  And the ball, which is actually the top of the femur (thighbone).  Daily, the hip is subject to much stress.  This is due to movement, impact and weight.  Fortunately, its design of bone, along with supporting cartilage and ligaments, makes it strong and flexible.  However, it is not infallible.

More than 300,000 seniors over the age of 65 are hospitalized for hip fractures each year in the U.S.  The primary cause of these breaks is a fall, often combined with frail bones.  The majority of the ill-fated falls are to the side of the person, pointing to balance and strength issues. 

Many hip fractures are preventable.  It starts with knowing who is at risk.  Then those at risk must take the necessary preventative measures.

Risk Factors

Here are some of the factors that put a person at a higher risk of fracturing their hip.

  • Poor balance or lack of mobility.
  • Sedentary lifestyle.
  • Cognitive impairment.
  • Misuse or failure of walking aids.
  • Poor vision.
  • Poor nutrition.
  • Osteoporosis.
  • Female gender (75% of all hip fractures).
  • Age: people 90 + are 15 times more likely to fracture a hip than people 60-65.
  • Taking a medication or have a disease that make falls more likely.
  • Have taken a previous fall.
  • Have had a previous fracture.

Prevention

Here are some things you can do to decrease your chances of breaking a hip. 

  • Lessen the risk of falling.  It helps to clean clutter, add grab bars and improve lighting.
  • If you are at high risk for falls, wear hip protectors regularly and properly.
  • Strengthen the lower body and improve balance by incorporat­ing weight-bearing exercise into your routine 3-4 times per week.  Examples: walking and dancing.
  • Eat a balanced diet that is rich in vitamin D and calcium.
  • Avoid smoking and limit alcohol intake.
  • Utilize bone density testing and medications, when appropriate and with the supervision of your doctor.

Ask your doctor for specific recommendations that fit your medical, dietary and personal needs.

(Sources:  Nat. Ctr. for Injury Prevention & Control, Amer. Acad. of Family Physicians , NIH, CDC)

Falling Down Goes Up With Age – Falling Down Goes Up With Age

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Stairways in the home of a senior can be a hazard.  Make sure there are sturdy handrails on both sides, the steps are clear, the surface is in good condition and the lighting is bright and even.  (Shadows can cause problems.)

Seniors Are More Susceptible To Taking A Fall

In the U.S., falls are the leading cause of injuries in people 65 years old and up.  Understandably, accidents and health conditions are the leading culprits.  What’s really surprising is that most of the falls occur at home, while performing common activities. 

What causes the falls?  Balance can be affected by medications, alcohol, heart disease, low blood pressure or arthritis.  Poor eyesight and hearing, decreased coordination and strength, slower reflexes and other disabilities can be factors.  Within the household, worn carpets, newly positioned furniture, clutter on the floor, poor lighting, electric wires, stairs and wet floors can lead to trouble. 

Fortunately most falls are minor and result in a quick recovery.  But the severity of injury increases with age with the most common injuries being head traumas and fractures to the hip, wrist and spine.  Even when there is no physical injury, there can be a dramatic affect on the senior and their family.  Fear of future falls can decrease confidence, which can lead to less independence and social life. 

Tips For Avoiding Falls

  • Avoid clutter on the floors, especially in the normal paths of traffic. 
  • Don’t leave something in a pathway “just for a second”.  It’s usually the wrong second.
  • Place electrical and telephone cords out of pathways.
  • Carpets should be wall-to-wall and low pile.
  • It’s best to eliminate throw rugs.  Otherwise, attach them to the floor with tacks or carpet tape.  The last choice is to make sure they have a non-skid backing.
  • Fix loose floorboards.
  • Do not wax floors or use non-skid wax.
  • Steps should be no taller than 6 inches and all steps should be the same height and depth.
  • For those with poor vision, attach a bright colored piece of adhesive tape to first and last steps…and any place there is a variation in the height or depth of a step.
  • Avoid the use of stairs when possible.  This may mean rearranging the use of rooms or even installing a motorized lift.
  • Chairs and sofas should be high enough and firm enough to make it easier to sit or stand. 
  • Chairs should have high backs and sturdy armrests so they can be used to support sitting and standing. 

(Sources: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, A Variety Of Articles & Books)