Falls and Injury Prevention
Falls and Fractures Overview with a Focus on Hip Fracture
Osteoporotic bones are fragile and porous and more prone to breaking than normal healthy bones. Osteoporotic fractures can occur in any part of the skeleton but are most common at the wrist, spine and hip. There is a lot of pain and morbidity associated with all fractures, but it is the hip fracture that is the most devastating of all. Hip fracture is the most common reason of the permanent loss of elderly people's independence.
Fractures of the hip are common injuries in older and elderly people, who have weakened bones and low muscle mass. In the frail elderly people, the thinned muscle lining around the hips leaves the bony area exposed and unprotected from the effects of common traumas, such as falling, slipping or tripping. Many hip fractures result from a sideway fall, which subjects the greater trochanteric area of the proximal femur to the force of the impact.
Hip Fracture Prevention Strategies include the following preventive actions:
1. Prevention and treatment of osteoporosis
2. Prevention of falls
Falls prevention
Although anyone can fall, the risk of falling increases with age. This may be due to age related health
factors like impaired eyesight, compromised lower body strength, impaired mobility, poor balance and body
agility. Risk of falls can also be caused by medication, especially if taking 4 or more different medicines
or simply due to an unsafe living environment. Effects of falls in elderly people can be very serious. Falls
prevention is an important primary activity - however, all falls cannot be prevented and despite all efforts,
elderly people continue to fall! Protecting the most vulnerable sites of the body from the impact of the falls
should therefore be a serious consideration and an integral part of care standards.
As most falls occur at home, everyone – especially older or elderly people - should ensure that their home is safe and the likelihood of accidentally falling is reduced. Health advice should be also be considered and followed.
General tips to reduce the risk of falling at home:
Ensure good lighting to avoid tripping over items not easily seen. Lights should be placed in all bedrooms as well as in halls, bathrooms and kitchens. Install a night-light to help you find light switches during the night.
Using self-adhesive non-skid mats and safety treads in showers, bathrooms and even bathtubs is most helpful!
Remove all clutter from the floors and place handrails in bathrooms and toilets and on staircases. Two sided rails provide the most effective support. Consider attaching safety treads to steps. If you have bare floors and use mats, always use non-skid pads underneath the mats to prevent accidental skidding.
Do not store items in high places – such as high kitchen cupboards or top surfaces of wardrobes – steps and ladders can be very unstable. Avoid climbing ladders, chairs or stools when alone!Remove rugs from the floor or fasten them permanently with specific attention given to any loose ends.
Do not leave telephone or electric cables and cords lying on the floor. Tie them with a tape and tuck them safely away from the proximity of walking areas.
Wear shoes with non-slip soles. Avoid loose-fitting slippers that can cause tripping. Always tie shoe laces securely.
If you live alone - ask your friends or relatives to check on you regularly.
Important common sense advice:
Have a regular eye checks – poor eyesight can cause you to trip or slip and fall.Kip fit by exercising regularly. Exercise will help to maintain the strength of your muscles and bones.
Wear shoes and slippers that are well fitting, securely fastened and comfortable.
Keep your feet healthy and pain free – get rid of hard skin, calluses and corns – your GP can refer you to a chiropodist or a podiatrist.
Use a walking stick when walking – it can help you to be more stable.
When getting out of bed – take time; sit for a while before standing up – this will help you maintain your balance, which can be lost, if you get up too fast.
Ask your doctor about the possible side effects of any medication that you are taking.
See your doctor if you are experiencing dizziness or fainting.
Limit alcohol intake.
Stop smoking.
Discuss your health concerns with your doctor, a nurse or a health visitor.
Ask your friends, relatives and neighbours for help.
An exhibition is being set up in the Town Centre on Tuesday, 26th June to raise general awareness of falls their causes and prevention.
All members are encouraged to visit the exhibition if they are in the Town Centre area on that day.