Introduction
Purpose of this paper is putting prevention into practice. The best approach to managing and preventing falls involves a multidisciplinary, holistic and specific approach. While taking measures of prevention into account medical conditions, psychological and social circumstances of the individual should be considered.(Tremblay and Barber, 2005). The approach can entail primary prevention that aims at averting falls in people who have never fallen before. To achieve primary prevention increase in amount of regular exercises and physical activity is necessary. Any medication that can predispose a person to falls must be reviewed.
Background Information
Among the older generation Falls causes a major health challenge. According to (William B. Grant 2004) one out of three people aged above 65 years in the USA is suffering from falls. For those people over 80 years of age the proportion is one to two.Mortality rate in women due to falls is relatively higher than the youth.
Falls can be caused by Neurological problems. Some of these neurological problems mostly affect the older people. For instance, minor strokes can cause considerable weakness. Parkinson’s disease hinders mobility. Falls can be referred to in another term as drop attacks, when the cause is unknown. The occurrence of this is usually unexpected and consciousness is not lost. Some of its causes are cardiovascular disease, transient ischemic attacks and carotid sinus hypersensitivity.( Patient UK 2008).
Falls Injuries
Several facts about falls should be put forward in this prospective project on the elderly. Age is a contributing factor to falling. Women tend to fall more than men. Secondly, most people who fall are likely to fall again after about six months. (Arvind Modawal, 2005). Falls and its consequences can be attributed to reduction in muscle and bone mass. Exercising and keeping fit can play a huge role in preventing poor muscle tone, loss of bone mass, flexibility and strength. It is known as a fact that a third of people affected by falls are as a result of environmental dangers.
Physical causes for Falls
Physical factors like changes in our body can be a very serious reason for falls. For instance, changes in sleep patterns, vision, lack of flexibility and less muscle strength can be cause for falls. Therefore, it should be worth noting that regular exercises and medical checkups by the doctor are very important in preventing falls. A person must always wear glasses if prescribed by the doctor.
Persistent health ailments like heart complications and high blood pressure can be reason for dizziness that can eventually result to falls. Drugs either prescribed by the doctor or bought over the counter can have certain effects like dizziness or drowsiness which are causes for falls. If the side effects are adverse then a doctor should be consulted for a change in prescription. Alcohol can cause falls not only in the elderly but in people of all ages.
Environmental causes for Falls
Going by Environmental reasons there are several guidelines on how to prevent falls. One, indoor lighting should be clear. Hallways and stairs should not have dim light. Things should be arranged in order and everything should be in place to prevent tripping over them. Extension cords should also be considered when arranging the household equipment. People should always be aware of where pets are in the house so as to prevent falls. Outdoor lighting is just as important as indoor lighting.
Natural phenomenon is also cause for falls e.g. snow can be very hazardous. To prevent falling during snow cars should be packed in a clear place. When there is heavy snow during the day lights should never be switched off. This gives the drivers good visibility.
Nursing prevention
Secondary prevention entails taking measures to control and prevent any further falls for those who have already suffered from falls before. Persons who have had pervious falls are at an even higher risk of more falls. In secondary prevention assessment to a person who has fallen should be carried out appropriately. With or without injury assessment a person who has fallen should be assessed.( Patient UK, 2008). This should include an account of what happened from the witnesses. For instance, pose questions like; was there any loss of consciousness or ask about the past medical history.
So as to prevent secondary falls, procedures are being put in hospitals to include neurological assessments, cardiovascasular assessment and gait assessment. Ophthalmic is still very vital and require that someone should visit the home to try and make an assessment of risks and possible aids which may include walking sticks and rails around the home (Wright State University.,1998). Those people who have adversely suffered from falls should be motivated to exercise to strengthen their muscles strong. Many hospitals now have a multidisciplinary falls team which asses and treat individuals at risk. The team should be able to tackle both primary and secondary prevention. Assessment of those at risk but not yet fallen should be done through community nursing.
Interventions for Falls
Interventions to prevent Falls have resulted in considerable reduction to the number of older people who fall at least once a month. (William B. Grant 2004). In a nutshell prevention interventions in the older people have worked both in reducing the risk of falling and the monthly rate of falling. The multifactor falls risk assessment and management programme was found to be highly effective. Through this approach also there is a reduction in costs involved per fall. Although some progress has been made the cost incurred in monetary terms is large. Hospitals, community care and residential care have large financial implications.( Patient UK,2008). Older people need privacy and independency. For both primary and secondary prevention of falls to be effective a cost benefit analysis is required. Although costs of introducing a multidisciplinary approach have huge financial implications its benefits are great.
References
Arvin Modawal. Hamilton County Fall Prevention Task Force.Exercise Your Independence – Prevent Falls. 2005. Web.
Patient UK. Prevention of Falls in the Elderly. 2008. Web.
Tremblay K.R. Jr., and Barber C.E. Colorado State University. Preventing Falls in the Elderly. 2008. Web.
Wright State University. Tips to Prevent Falls in the Elderly. 1998. Web.