Reducing your risk of a dangerous fall is more of an urgent errand than you might realize. Staff members at Good Samaritan locations are actively helping adults over 65 years of age learn their risk status through screenings.
Falls continue to be the leading cause of injuries and death in older Americans. According to data obtained from the National Council on Aging, more than 25% of American over 65 years of age fall each year. That adds up to an older adult falling every second of every day in the United States, resulting in more than 3 million injuries treated in emergency departments annually. Older adults should be aware of fall risk and what can be done to reduce it.
When fall risk increases
Whether you are at low, moderate or high risk, Good Samaritan has options to keep you on your feet.
“When older adults are fearful of falling, they often decrease their participation in activities, social events and interactions,” says Martha Frohwein, director of Clinical Services for Therapy and Rehabilitation at Good Samaritan. “This can lead to decreased strength and mobility, depression, and social isolation which ultimately impacts a person’s quality of life. Identifying risk factors for falling and participating in interventions that target those risk factors have been shown to reduce falls.”
Good Samaritan supports a fall prevention strategy known as STEADI. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention initiative is all about “Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries.”
STEADI features three core elements:
- Screening an older adult for fall risk
- Assessing an older adult’s risk factors
- Intervening to reduce risk by giving older adults tailored intervention
“We can recommend evidence-based programming on our campuses, such as a group exercise class, fitness program or therapy services to help increase strength, mobility and confidence to decrease fall risk,” Martha says.
Available to residents and more
You do not have to be a resident at a Good Samaritan location to get a screening or receive therapy services. Trained individuals are ready to assist you with screening and follow up recommendations if you are at higher risk.
“If a fall risk is identified, we may recommend that they would follow up with their physician. Sometimes a medication adjustment may be needed or they may benefit from skilled therapy intervention. We can support them through outpatient therapy available in most of our locations or through home health services where available. If they’re a resident within one of our locations, certainly we can provide intervention to meet their needs as well,” Martha says.
Simple screening process
If you’re wondering about the screening process, locations have toolkits that make them quick and easy. After filling out a form with simple questions, there will be a “Timed Up and Go” (TUG) activity.
The activity assesses the gait, balance and strength of someone’s walking. A person starts in a chair and they’re timed as to how long it takes to get from one spot to another and back.
An older adult who takes more than 12 seconds to do this is at risk of falling. Unfortunately, some people who fall are never able to recover.
The good news is that older adults can lower their risk. Falls are not an inevitable part of aging. They can be prevented. People need to know their status and risk level so they can lower their risk.
Check to see if a location near you is hosting a Fall Prevention Screening Event soon.