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Jewish World Review March 25, 2004 /3 Nissan, 5764

Jan L. Warner & Jan Collins

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Consumer Reports


How do I protect my parents from falling?


http://www.NewsAndOpinion.com | Q: My wife and I are concerned about my parents and in-laws (all in their 80s) living at home. Since we all live in the same region, we often visit our folks and have noticed safety hazards in their homes. We are most concerned about the potential for falls, but when we suggested that they should move into a staged-living community, we are met with cold stares. What is the best way to bring up our concerns?

A: While your worries about falls and safety are certainly valid, moving your parents into a gated community is not the best solution. As you have learned from your folks — and as you will probably experience yourselves when you reach their ages — seniors want to remain in their homes and in the community for as long as possible. Studies tell us that the longer seniors can retain their independence and remain in their homes — even if assistance from a third person is required to keep them there — the better their quality of life. Seniors who have moved, or who have been talked into moving out of their homes too quickly, feel they have been robbed of their freedom and autonomy. Quite frankly, we don't blame them for feeling that way, especially if appropriate alternatives are available. Adult children who attempt to impose their ideas about the best living arrangements for their parents can ruin a good relationship very quickly.

That said, more than one-third of all adults over age 65 fall each year, and falls are the leading causes of both injury-related deaths and hospital admissions for seniors.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, in 2001 more than 1.6 million seniors sought emergency room treatment, and some 388,000 seniors were hospitalized, due to falls. More than 11,600 of those seniors died from fall-related injuries.

Moreover, the older you get, the more prone you are to die from fall-related injuries: more than 60 percent of those who die from falls are more than 75 years old. Falls can cause serious hip fractures and brain injuries — not to mention other injuries that often require care in a nursing facility.

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By properly addressing some of the "modifiable risk factors," the risk of falling can be lessened. For example, seniors should strengthen their lower bodies and improve balance through regular exercise, review the side effects of both prescription and over-the-counter medications that may cause instability, and seek the help of professionals when dealing with Parkinson's disease, stroke, arthritis, cognitive impairment and visual impairments.

Seniors should be aware that, as they age, their eyes are less able to adjust to sudden changes in lighting. This, in turn, means that moving between dim and brightly lit areas can cause visual loss and falls.

Because seniors are at home most of the time, and because more than half of all falls occur at home, safety in the home is essential. Contrary to popular belief, studies indicate that most falls at home occur on the same level, not because of stairs. Therefore, remove items from heavily used walkways inside and outside to avoid tripping, and install railings, grab bars and more lights in appropriate places. When required, although seniors don't particularly like them, walking aids can help prevent falls.

A good book on the subject is Betty Perkins-Carpenter's "How To Prevent Falls: A Comprehensive Guide to Better Balance" (Click HERE to purchase. Sales help fund JWR.). Also note that Congress, in a joint resolution called the "Elder Fall Prevention Act of 2003," recognized the seriousness of seniors falling and has committed dollars — subject, of course, to having the money to do so — for studies to help combat this leading cause of death among people over age 65. While this study may not get funded, a review of the text of this resolution is important.

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JAN L. WARNER received his A.B. and J.D. degrees from the University of South Carolina and earned a Master of Legal Letters (L.L.M.) in Taxation from the Emory University School of Law in Atlanta, Georgia. He is a frequent lecturer at legal education and public information programs throughout the United States. His articles have been published in national and state legal publications. Jan Collins began co-authoring Flying SoloŽ in 1989. She has more than 27 years of experience as a journalist, writer, and editor. To comment or ask a question, please click here.

Up



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Can we stop our brother from swindling us?
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Is there protection against Medicaid costs?
Long-term care insurance comes up short
HIPAA -- too much privacy?; nursing home doc could care less
Private pay nursing home residents pay more
Separated families should use care managers
What Makes Up a Caregiving Team?
Who is the client, parents or children?:

© 2003, Jan Warner