Falls in the Elderly, how to prevent them, and fall prevention and treatment in Dallas Fort Worth

An individual can fall for numerous reasons. Some illnesses and diseases increase the risk of falls among the elderly. However, even individuals without such conditions and ailments may slip and fall. It is important to be aware of these risks because they could save a person’s life.

Mental deterioration due to neurological conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, loss of vision or hearing, medications that cause drowsiness, weakness, pain, imbalance, brain injury, loss of sensation in feet (due to nerve damage), and medication side effects can increase fall risk.

Orthostatic hypotension (drop in blood pressure when standing) is also a leading cause of falls in the elderly.

People who are elderly are more likely to fall. Weakening bones due to osteoporosis or loss of height can cause an elderly individual’s balance to be off, leading to falls.

The consequences of falls for elderly individuals can be very serious. A fall may result in broken bones, head injuries, internal bleeding, or other life-threatening conditions that require immediate medical treatment.

Injuries from falling

If the elderly individual is not treated for their injuries, they could become bedridden or even die of complications arising from their fall. Depending on where an individual falls, they may be unable to receive adequate medical attention.

The elderly individual could also sustain severe internal bleeding, which may significantly worsen because they cannot call for aid.

They may not receive adequate medical care due to distance from the hospital and lack of personal transportation. If an elderly person lives alone and falls, they may suffer serious injuries that require immediate medical attention.

It is very important to have the elderly begin a daily exercise routine. Exercising regularly can increase muscle strength and balance, which will help prevent falls among the elderly population.

Exercises such as Tai Chi and yoga are good exercises for individuals of any age to get more flexible and increase balance.

How can you prevent falling?

Many things can be done to prevent falls in the elderly population. An elderly individual should stay hydrated. They need to consult with their doctor about any medications they may be taking.

They should also consult with their doctor about the best exercises to increase muscle strength and balance.

Healthy lifestyle choices can also help the elderly prevent falls. People need to stay away from drugs with adverse side effects, such as dizziness or drowsiness.

In addition, prescription medications should be taken as directed by a physician and not mixed with alcohol.

One of the most important ways to prevent falls in the elderly is to stay away from high-risk areas. An elderly individual should not be on ladders or roofs, among other things.

An individual can also help prevent falling by using devices such as a cane or walker when needed.

New treatments like the Emsculpt NEO platform can help you burn fat and build muscle quickly without surgery or medication. This can help to decrease your risk of falling.

Is there any specific diet to reduce falls in the elderly?

Decreasing sodium intake is one of the ways a person can prevent falls. Salt causes the body to retain fluids, which results in swelling in the ankles and legs.

This fluid retention can cause a person to feel lightheaded or dizzy when standing up after sitting or lying down, increasing their risk of falling.

In addition to reducing salt intake, increasing vitamin D and calcium can decrease the risk of falls in the elderly population. Vitamin D assists with muscle strength, which allows a person to maintain a better balance.

Calcium is important for bone health. It helps keep bones strong and dense, allowing them to withstand stress better.

How effective are fitness training programs in preventing falls in the elderly?

Fitness training programs are effective in preventing falls among the elderly population. These programs increase muscle strength and balance, which helps reduce the risk of falling.

The more fit a person is, the better they will be able to do activities of daily living (such as carrying groceries or pushing a vacuum cleaner).

Fitness training has also been shown to reduce the number of falls in the elderly population by up to 70%.

What to do if you had a fall

The best thing to do if you have fallen is to consult with your doctor about what happened. Your doctor will be able to examine you, prescribe medication, check for broken bones, and determine if any other injuries occurred during the fall.

If it is safe to move around after a fall, your doctor may suggest performing some exercises that promote flexibility and balance.

Do you have any tips/advice on preventing falls in the elderly?

Elderly individuals should always consult with their doctor before beginning a new exercise routine. A doctor will determine what exercises are appropriate for each individual and may recommend physical therapy.

It is also important for someone who lives alone or has a loved one living alone to ensure that dangerous areas are blocked off and have slip-resistant flooring.

Finally, an elderly individual should always use devices like walkers or canes when needed. This helps them maintain balance and prevents falls.

What are some benefits of strength training for the elderly?

There are many benefits to strength training for the elderly population. Strength training can help improve balance, coordination, and flexibility.

It also helps strengthen muscles important for daily tasks such as walking, cooking, and dressing.

Strength training has also been shown to reduce the risk of falls in the elderly population by up to 70%.

How Prime MD Plus can help

Falls are a common problem for older adults, and they can lead to serious injuries.

If you’re concerned about falling, Prime MD Plus can help. We will evaluate for dementia, polypharmacy (too many medications), weakness, and other factors.

Our board-certified geriatrician will evaluate your risk factors and develop a fall prevention program tailored to your needs.

We will evaluate for dementia, polypharmacy (too many medications), weakness, and other factors.

This may include balance training, strength exercises, and treatment of underlying conditions such as joint pain. We’ll work with you to help keep you safe and prevent falls.

Conclusion

Falls are a major health risk for the elderly population. The best way to prevent falls is by staying away from drugs that have adverse side effects, not mixing these with alcohol, staying away from high-risk areas, using devices such as a cane or walker when needed, decreasing salt intake, increasing vitamin D and calcium, and starting a fitness training program.

If a person has fallen, they should consult with their doctor about what happened and what they can do to prevent future falls.

If you are looking to consult with a board-certified geriatric doctor in the Dallas-Fort Worth area about falls, or need help managing balance issues without medication, visit primemdplus.com.