Consider the following statistics:
*Every 18 seconds an older adult is treated in an emergency room for a fall, and every 35 minutes a senior dies following a fall,
*Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths amoung people age 65 and older, accounting for almost 16,000 deaths in 2005,
*One out of every three people aged 65 and older falls each year despite the fact that research shows most falls are preventable,
*It cost more than $19Billion each year to treat injuries from falls, with the average hospitalization from a fall costing ~$17,500,
*By 2020, the annual costs for fall-related injuries are expected to reach $54.9Billion (in 2007 dollars)
For those of us nearing this age group called "seniors", and for those of us that have parents well into, and beyond, this age group this is a set of scary, and very concerning, statistics!
Falls happen for any number of reasons; some related to accidents, some to chronic illnesses, and some due to an acute illness (say, a stroke); but, as suggested many are preventable. I will use my own mother, who is 85 years old and still lives alone in her home of 50 years, as my example. Several years ago she developed macular degeneration in one eye which severely limited her vision. She then developed cataracts which have been subsequently removed; but, further limits her vision. While she is generally pretty darn healthy, she occassionally suffers dizzy spells - probably from not drinking enough water and dehydrating, especially during the summer months. She is gradually; but, surely becoming increasingly frail. However, she is fiercely independent and quite stubborn (ringing any bells?). Even though I have continuously advised against it, she will still go outside on a 90+ degree day, and using an old-fashioned push mower, mow her lawn.
Her house is two-story, and her bathroom and bedroom are both upstairs. She must make two dozen trips a day up and down those stairs. While she takes her time doing so, each trip is a chance for her to have that "accident" that will cause her physical harm. To help with preventing this, I have installed numerous safety features and caution her on at least a weekly basis about her safety. I am very fortunate that my mother does not suffer from dementia and is very capable of listening to, and following safety precautions. I still worry that each trip she makes increases her odds of a fall, and I anticipate that call informing me she has trip and fallen and is in route to an emergency room.
I will continue to encourage her to consider moving into a newer, single level living space; but, to date she has steadfastly refused to move from her home. I do everything I can to aid her in her safety; but, realize that her risks remain.
Do others of you encounter similar issues with your parents?
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