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Consequences of Falls in the Elderly
Whether they result in bruises, broken bones or a fatal head injury, all falls can have serious consequences for elderly people. When a fall occurs, doctors often perform tests to identify treatable disorders that may have contributed to the incident.

Some conditions that cause falls cannot be changed, such as age and sex, but others can -- for instance, poor nutrition and hydration and the use of drugs that lower blood pressure.
Severe Injuries

Injuries from falls can range from hip fractures to head trauma and sometimes result in hospitalization. They can also cause social problems and lead to a feeling of helplessness and inability to live independently. Some people who are hospitalized after a fall feel that they will never be able to return home and some may be forced to move into a nursing home or other type of supervised facility.

medical alert systems Doctors are often unaware of falls that occur in older adults unless the person is brought to their attention by someone who sees an injury such as a hip fracture. However, a careful evaluation after a fall can identify risk factors that may have contributed to the accident and treat them, which decreases the chance of another fall. Conditions such as a slow heart rate, foot problems, poor vision, and medications that affect balance or dizziness increase the chances of falling. Doctors evaluate patients with a stethoscope to listen for abnormal heart sounds that might indicate a low heart beat or other heart problems and assess muscle strength, coordination and nervous system function.
Traumatic Brain Injury

The elderly are at particular risk for head injuries when they fall. A blow to the head can cause traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI is an emergency and requires immediate medical care.

TBI is one of the most common and serious causes of death and disability among people over the age of 65. It can also have significant impact on quality of life.

A TBI can lead to long-term health issues like dementia, depression and a loss of cognitive abilities. It can also affect balance and increase the risk of falling again.

Physicians should be aware of the different types of falls and risks that older adults face in order to help them prevent future incidents. For example, if an individual has certain medical conditions that can cause them to be unsteady on their feet, such as diabetes or Parkinson’s disease, they may want to consider using assistive devices such as walkers or canes. A good physician can also help an individual understand how to avoid hazards that can contribute to a fall, such as throw rugs or clutter that can be tripped over.

Loss of Independence

Many seniors are afraid of falling more than they are afraid of death. They often limit their activities because of fears about a fall and reduce the strength in their legs and other support muscles. This can increase their fall risk. Talk to your healthcare provider about getting a physical therapy program that can increase balance and coordination. Exercises like walking, water workouts and tai chi (which consists of slow, graceful movements) can help prevent falls.

In health-impaired older persons, situations that increase the risk of fall can include cluttered environments or activities that require attention to movement, such as climbing stairs. medical alert However, it is difficult to distinguish whether extrinsic factors are the primary determinants of fall risks in this population or if they interact with intrinsic risk factors. Injuries sustained from falls can lead to a significant decline in quality of life, but most can be prevented with practical lifestyle adjustments and community-based prevention programs.
Decreased Quality of Life

Regardless of whether they’re fatal or not, falls can have severe consequences for elderly people. They may not only cause physical effects like hip fractures, but also social and psychological consequences as well. The fear of falling can lead to isolation as elderly people stay at home and miss out on social activities for extended periods of time.

The risks for falls vary by age group, but are often exacerbated by living situations such as stairs and uncarpeted floors. Elderly patients in hospitals can also fall when they become tangled in bed rails or medical equipment.

The best way to reduce the impact of a fall is by taking preventative measures. This can be done through health education and the use of environmental and rehabilitative strategies. These may include addressing risk factors, improving balance and endurance, and changing medications to minimize side effects. Taking these measures can help prevent falls, which can greatly decrease the quality of life of elderly people.

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