By Martha A. Simpson, D.O., M.B.A.
Associate Professor of Family Medicine
Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine

REDUCING CLUTTER AND GOOD LIGHTING TWO KEYS TO PREVENTING FALLS

Question: My mother is in her early 80s, is in good health and lives by herself. Recently a friend of hers fell, broke her hip and ended up in a nursing home. I am worried that my mother will fall. What can I do to decrease her risk of falling or injuring herself if she does?

Answer: Over 20 percent of serious injuries in people over 65 are due to falls. In fact, in this age group fall-related injuries are the leading cause of accidental death.

Most falls occur at or close to the patient’s home. So both of your concerns -- fall prevention and reducing injuries when falls do happen -- are quite legitimate.

Many factors increase a person’s risk for falls. The primary causes of falls are environmental factors. Throw rugs that are not secured, clutter and poor lighting are common causes of falls in the home. Address these by eliminating throw rugs or using a non-skid mat under them, and adding lighting to halls, stairways, bedrooms and bathrooms. Removing excess furniture and clutter is also helpful.

The shower and bathtub pose risks for a person of any age, but for a senior they can be particularly hazardous. To lessen the risk, install handrails and non-skid surfaces in the bathroom. It can also be helpful to paint the walls around the toilet in a dark color. This can make the toilet “stand out” in low light and make it easier to find at night.

Figuring out if a person is still capable of independent living is a complex matter. There is, however, a simple “in home” test that you could try as a quick screening test. This is called the “get up and go” test. It checks a person’s agility. Have your mother rise from a sitting position, walk 10 feet, turn around, and return to the chair and sit down. If she is adequately mobile, this should take less than 20 seconds. If it takes over 30 seconds, she is at great risk for falls and less able to live independently. In that case, I would suggest that you consult a physician for further guidance.

Another area to look at carefully is medications. If your mother is taking more than four different medications, she’s statistically at a greater risk of falling. If one of her medications is a tranquilizer, sleeping pill or antihistamine, that can be particularly problematic. It would be a good idea to go over your mother’s medication list with her and her physician.

Here are a few additional tips that might help reduce the risk of falling. Wear flat, rubber soled shoes. Take an exercise class once or twice a week. This can improve balance and agility. Have regular vision tests. It’s common to need stronger eyeglass prescriptions as we get older. Having a good pair of glasses can be especially crucial in the evenings or low light situations.

Finally, if you feel that your mother is at increased risk for falls, there are hip protective pads that can be worn to protect the hip bones in case of a fall. Ask your pharmacist or a local home care supplier where these can be purchased in your area.

Family Medicine® is a weekly column. To submit questions, write to Martha A. Simpson, D.O., M.B.A., Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, P.O. Box 110, Athens, Ohio 45701, or via e-mail to readerquestions@familymedicinenews.org. Medical information in this column is provided as an educational service only. It does not replace the judgment of your personal physician, who should be relied on to diagnose and recommend treatment for any medical conditions. Past columns are available online at www.familymedicinenews.org.