What to Do After a Serious Slip or Fall
In Western Australia, someone is admitted to a hospital every 17 minutes and presents to an emergency department every 13 minutes due to a falls-related injury. In New Zealand, one in three people over 65 injures themselves in a fall every year.
Falling can be more than just embarrassing for seniors – it can cause long-term health issues and even hospitalisation in some cases. Whether due to a medical condition, medications, or simple wear and tear of the body, slips or falls can have serious consequences.
So what should you do if you're an older adult who experiences a sudden slip or fall? Read on as we explore the steps that senior citizens should take after such an event, from determining your level of risk based on your circumstances to restoring physical activity safely.
Why are falls a particular concern for older people?
Falls can lead to serious injuries, especially for older adults. The risk of falls increases with age, with seniors aged 65 and up being the most vulnerable group. As we age, our bodies become weaker, our balance becomes less steady, and certain medical conditions or medications can result in dizziness or sudden fainting spells that increase the risk of falling. Mobility issues, vision impairments, and cognitive issues can all contribute to the risk of a serious fall.
Common injuries from falls
Falls are a major health issue in the community with around 30% of adults over 65 experiencing at least one fall per year. This is set to increase as Australia’s population ages with the proportion of people aged over 65 predicted to increase from 14% (3 million people) in 2010 to 23% (8.1 million people) in 2050. With a stable incidence rate, the cost of falls is expected to rise to around $1.4 billion by 2051. Here are some of the most common injuries that you can suffer from a fall:
Head injuries
There is a high chance you may sustain a head injury if you fall. This can range from bruising and lacerations to fractures or even more serious injuries like traumatic brain injury, or concussions. That's why it is important to seek medical attention especially when you hit your head
Spinal cord injuries
Falls can lead to spinal cord injuries such as compression fractures, sprains, strains or other forms of nerve damage that affect your ability to move. In some cases, these injuries can be life-altering and require extensive medical treatment.
Bone fractures
Falls are one of the leading causes of broken bones, especially in seniors who may have more fragile bones or living with conditions such as osteoporosis (which over one million Australians do). Broken wrists, hips, elbows or ankles can lead to prolonged hospital stays and recovery periods and can even affect your ability to move about independently. In Australia alone, there are an estimated 173,000+ broken bones each year due to poor bone health.
Sprains and strains
Twisting or rolling when you fall can lead to sprains and muscle strains in the ligaments, tendons and muscles, especially in joints like your ankles, wrists and knees. These injuries can take weeks to heal, during which time walking or using stairs may be difficult
Suggested Reading: New study shows missed diagnosis for 1 in 6 people with osteoporosis
What should older adults do after a fall?
Assess your situation
If you experience a sudden slip or fall, take a moment to assess the situation and determine whether you need emergency medical care. Signs that should indicate a need for medical attention include dizziness, confusion or disorientation, extreme pain, or if you are unable to stand.
Seek immediate medical care
If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, seek immediate medical care. It’s important to take all falls seriously and get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. Even if you only experienced a minor fall, your doctor can assess the situation and provide guidance on how to prevent falls in the future.
Restoration of physical activities
Once your doctor has cleared you to resume normal activities, they may also suggest an exercise program designed to improve balance and mobility. This is important after a serious slip or fall as it can help to reduce your risk of having another. Your doctor or physical therapist may also suggest other lifestyle changes such as reducing excess weight, limiting alcohol consumption, and wearing proper footwear that provides good support and cushioning
Safety Measures
Moving forward, it is also important to implement safety measures at home if you experience a fall. Adding handrails to stairs, removing throw rugs or clutter from walking paths, using non-slip mats in the shower, and making sure there is adequate lighting throughout your home can all help to prevent serious falls.
Suggested reading: Balance Exercises for Seniors: Prevent Falls and Injuries
How are falls treated?
Treatment after a fall depends on the type of injury you have sustained and the injury severity. In most cases, the primary treatment will be rest and immobilization of the affected area. You may also need to use ice or heat to reduce swelling and inflammation, depending on your condition. In some cases, your doctor may recommend physical therapy to help restore strength and mobility in the area that was injured. They may also suggest medications to help manage the pain and discomfort. In more serious cases, surgery may be required
It is important to note that falls can have a major impact on your quality of life, so it is essential to take preventative measures and seek immediate medical care if you experience a fall or slip. Here are other common treatments and supplements that may be suggested by medical professionals after experiencing a fall:
Vitamin D and calcium supplements
These supplements may help to improve your bone strength and reduce the risk of fractures.
Medications review
Your doctor may review any medications you are taking to check for potential side effects like dizziness, fainting, or drowsiness that can increase your risk of falling.
Balance and strength exercises
These exercises can help to improve balance, coordination, and strength in order to reduce the risk of falls. Exercises like Tai chi may also be recommended as it focuses on improving posture, flexibility and balance.
Podiatry assessment
Your doctor may also suggest that you see a podiatrist to check the condition of your feet and lower limb. This is especially important in elderly patients who may have poor circulation or reduced sensation in their feet, as this can increase the risk of falls.
Eyesight assessments
You may get suggestions to have an eyesight test to ensure that any vision problems are addressed. Poor eyesight can increase the risk of falls, so it is important to make sure that your vision is corrected with glasses or contact lenses if necessary.
Walking aids
If you are having difficulty walking, a walking aid such as a cane or walker may be recommended to improve your balance and stability, thus reducing the risk of falls.
How can falls be prevented?
Of course, the best scenario is to avoid falling altogether in the first place. Here are a few ways to modify your lifestyle and living quarters to minimise the risk of falling.
Lifestyle changes
Increasing physical activity, making changes to your diet, or quitting smoking can help increase your strength and balance in order to reduce the risk of falls.
Changes around the home
It is important to make sure that your home is safe and free from potential tripping hazards. Try to remove any rugs, cords, or furniture that could cause you to trip or fall. Additionally, adding grab bars beside the toilet or bathtub can help provide extra stability when moving around the house
Light up your living space
Ensuring that your living space is well-lit can help prevent you from tripping or falling. Installing night lights in hallways and bathrooms can be especially useful for seniors who may have difficulty navigating in the dark.
Wear appropriate footwear
Make sure to wear shoes that are comfortable and provide good support for your feet. Avoid wearing high heels or shoes with slippery soles as these can increase the risk of falls.
Get Regular check-ups
It is important to make sure that your vision, hearing and balance are checked on a regular basis in order to reduce the risk of falls. Your doctor may also be able to suggest additional treatments or lifestyle changes that could help prevent falls.
Use assistive devices
Assistive devices such as canes or walkers can help to improve balance, stability and mobility. These should be used to reduce the risk of falls both at home and in public places. You can also opt to wear a personal alarm watch or fall detection watch that can notify emergency services if you experience a fall.
Suggested reading: Falls Prevention Strategies in Aged Care and for the Elderly
How Tunstall’s Connected Care solutions can help with falls management
Falls, slips, and trips may happen to a large percentage of older adults but this shouldn't mean you should hinder yourself from living your life to the fullest because of fear of injuries. Tunstall's range of Connected Care solutions is designed to empower older adults and people living with a disability in their daily lives to make sure they have the support and assistance from care professionals whenever and wherever they need them. Tunstall can offer tailored solutions to your specific needs, so don't hesitate to contact us today.
Keep reading: Living Alone? How a Fall Detector Pendant Can Save You
Get your personal alarm today:
