Today we'll tell you all about precautions and fall prevention in older adults (or in patients who are bedridden or have limited mobility) . Accident prevention in older adults is one of the most important issues in geriatric care and a challenge for professionals who care for elderly patients, especially when it occurs within the family setting.
Falls are a geriatric syndrome par excellence, accounting for nearly 80% of accidents in the home and 20% in nursing homes or nursing homes. These data are of great importance and represent a warning sign, as they can cause physical injuries, but also psychologically, economically, and socially destabilize the elderly.
For this reason, it is important for family members and caregivers to promote active and healthy aging and to integrate their environment by educating older adults about the risk of falls to improve and preserve their health.
In Latin America, according to statistics from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, it tells us that: "20 to 30% of older people who fall suffer moderate or severe injuries, such as bruises, hip fractures, or head trauma."
How to prevent accidents in older adults
1. Illuminated spaces: Keeping places illuminated, whether by natural or artificial light, is vital for moving around and functioning, allowing visibility in the space and any obstacles that may be encountered along the way.
It's a good idea to install a light switch at the head of your bed. This way, it'll be easy to access in case of emergency or when you're ready to get up at night.
2. Theraduo Handrails . Ideal as a maximum preventive measure. The bars and boards are made of foam.
In addition, they are removable and feature maximum security closures that adjust and install a practical, easy-to-use base for both home and clinical care.
3. Theralock Safety Rails : Designed to provide support and balance when a person needs assistance when getting up or going to bed. To prevent the risk of falls, they feature non-slip foam for added strength and stability .
Made of stainless steel, Theralock is adjustable to fit all bed models.
4. Non-slip floors: Non-slip flooring is of utmost importance in maintenance situations. Secure the mat or remove any visual obstacles that may get in the way.
Footwear is also essential, as it should be comfortable and have a rubber sole (non-slip). Avoid shoes with any type of heel or very open heels to protect your feet.
5. The bedroom should be adequately equipped to prevent falls in older adults . Access to the bed, bathroom, and hallway should be clear and free of any obstructions that could increase the risk of physical injury.
6. Adapting the home : Preventing falls in the elderly. Adapting the home to meet individual needs is essential to ensuring that people live happier and more fulfilling lives.
Practical tips for fall prevention:
• Put non-slip strips on the stairs.
• Place short rugs on the floors.
• Use background heating to avoid burns and keep the elderly away from this risk.
• Lift your child out of bed with slow movements. This helps them sit up fully and get up in a better position.
• Place grab bars in the bathroom to hold onto the toilet or bathtub.
These are some of the most common pieces of advice in geriatrics, and even more so when it comes to health prevention.
7. Immediate emergency measures : Health professionals should contact family members and take control during emergencies. It is important to determine the severity of the injuries that prevent the elderly person from standing, as well as when they need to be taken to the hospital.
8. Take care of your diet: A healthy diet can provide multiple benefits and prevent serious consequences after a fall. Through nutrition, we can improve our bone and muscle health to avoid fractures, sprains, or contractures.
It is recommended that the specialist adjust the diet and adapt it to the patient's health needs.
How to get up after a fall?
There are different methods for getting up after a fall , but according to experts, the following is the most effective way to do it safely.
Here's how it works:
It is important to mention that if you are injured, you should not perform any maneuvers, as this could worsen the injury. If this happens, it is necessary to ask for help from a close family member or Caregiver . If we find ourselves alone, it is urgent to alert a medical service, calling from a phone or generating an alarm that can alert someone who can help us.
To get up from the ground after a fall, it is necessary to maintain good posture, as it reduces tension in our body and helps maintain our balance. Performing this action only requires some support, such as a wall, a chair, a ladder, or even a caregiver .
This maneuver is divided into three parts:
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Turn around
Position your left arm so it's aligned with your body, and place your right hand under your thigh or buttocks. To avoid dislocating your shoulder, keep your (left) arm in that position until you've completely turned around.
Place your other arm (right) at a right angle to your body, bend your right knee, and place your right foot on the floor. Gently tilt this leg (right) outward. Bring your right leg and arm to the left at the same time. This momentum will help you roll over onto your stomach without much effort.
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Get on all fours
Raise your hands to the height of your head, push back while tucking your knees under your pelvis.
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Get up with the help of some support or support
To find a support that helps you stand up, don't hesitate to crawl before standing up. Place both hands on the support and raise your upper torso. Place your left forearm on the seat or support and lift your right knee next to the support with your right hand. Finally, rest on the balls of your back foot to rise and stand up while exhaling, pushing with your hands and feet.
It's recommended to practice this exercise regularly in the presence of another person, so you can build confidence and master the three stages.
Preventing falls in the elderly is essential to determine a type of fall, so we can avoid non-modifiable risk factors over the years, such as chronic diseases, fractures, and others.
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Excelente articulo. He tomado nota para hacer algunos cambios en mi estilo de vida. Muchas gracias.
Muy buena y oportuna su comentario y prevención.