Good for the elderly
Stay loose and keep your arms and legs bent, as this will help reduce bone fractures and other injuries. Protect your head as much as possible. Turn your face to the side if you are falling forward and tuck your chin if you are falling backward.
What can I do to prevent falls?
How to fall without injury
Falls can be classified into three types:
A fall can be a sign of a new and serious medical problem that needs treatment. For instance, an older person can be weakened and fall because of illnesses such as dehydration, or a serious urinary tract infection.
There are correct ways to fall, however, the recommended procedures are:
A more recent study on 287 vertical fall victims revealed that falls from height of 8 stories (i.e. around 90-100 feet ) and higher, are associated with a 100% mortality [4]. Thus, a vertical falling height of more than 100 feet is generally considered to constitute a “non-survivable” injury.
Advertisement
High Fall Risk – Implement High Fall Risk interventions per protocol. History of more than one fall within 6 months before admission. Patient has experienced a fall during this hospitalization. Patient is deemed high fall-risk per protocol (e.g., seizure precautions)
During hourly rounds with patients, our nursing and support staff ask about the standard 5 Ps: potty, pain, position, possessions and peaceful environment.
One-third of people over 65 will fall at least once a year. Most falls occur on the flat; falls on the stairs or in the bathroom are relatively rare. Old women tend to fall in the house, old men in the garden.
According to Cheng, “An 80 year old often can’t tolerate and recover from trauma like a 20 year old.” Cheng’s team found that approximately 4.5 percent of elderly patients (70 years and above) died following a ground-level fall, compared to 1.5 percent of non-elderly patients.
Falls are not a normal part of aging. You can keep on your feet and avoid the risk of a fall. Take steps to stay safe and independent longer.
If you think you can get up without assistance: