Moving and Handling

“(2) The emergency is of such a nature as to induce a well-grounded apprehension of death or serious bodily harm if the act is not done;” and

Current literature has exposed many risk factors for falls. There are both intrinsic risk factors and extrinsic risk factors. Intrinsic risk factors include changes that come with age, such as gait issues, urinary incontinence, and fear of falling. Extrinsic risk factors include those that are related to the physical environment such as improper use of assistive devices and poor floor surfaces. No matter the type of risk factor, it is crucial to conduct a risk assessment when trying to prevent falls from occurring. Pearson and Coburn (2011) found that identifying risk factor for falls will help identify appropriate prevention strategies. Fall risk assessments help determine Talk about

Falls among any individual can cause significant trauma, often leading to an increase in mortality. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2012), one in every three adults over the age of 65 falls each year. Long-term care facilities account for many of these falls, with an average of 1.5 falls occurring per nursing home bed annually (Vu, Weintraub, & Rubenstein, 2004). In 2001, the American Geriatric Society, British Geriatric Society, and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Panel on Falls Prevention published specific guidelines to prevent falls in long-term

The widespread falls among the geriatric population reduce their quality of life and take away their functional independence. Lee et al (2013) state that falls leads to the rise in mortality rates and morbidity complications such as fractures and disabilities,1 out of 3 elderly persons in a community setting falls in a year. About 87% of all fractures in the elderly are due to falls. Several of the risk factors that are associated with falls are visual impairments, cognitive impairments, and health-related problems: arthritis, orthostatic, back pains, lack of balance-weakening muscles, previous falls, polypharmacy or psychoactive drugs (Lee et al, 2013).

Remaining calm, ensuring safety of all involved, assessing situation, providing assistance/ administering first aid as required and within limits of training, requesting professional support as required and informing them of situation,

Lastly, it is important to know when to call 911 for help from EMS. However, to know when to call one must be able to tell

Multiple campaigns have begun to bring awareness to falls and fall prevention. Lifestyles and changes at home can be made to help older adults live a more active, healthy and independent life. By making these changes older adults are making their quality of life better as they continue to age (“New Campaign,” 2016). Older adults should try to understand what factors put them at risk for falling. Researchers have determined the best way to prevent falls, and have identified programs that aid in fall prevention. Though not all risks can be eliminated, a plan to recognize and reduce risks can be developed with a medical provider. There are various physical activity programs that focus on increasing balance and mobility skills to reduce falls. Changes to reduce hazards in the home and community can help a person in fulfilling their daily activities (Basics of Fall Prevention, 2016). There are multiple causes that can lead to a fall, but weak muscles and poor balance contribute to most falls (Gardner et al., 1999).

Injuries and death from falls tend to be more severe as people age, depending on a number of personal characteristics and other combining risk factors. A study to assess risk factors determined that cognitive impairment, disability of lower extremities, reflex, abnormality of balance, and foot problems influence the probability of a fall. The chances of falling increased as the number of risk factors increased. Individuals with no factors had an 8% chance of falling compared to 78% with four or more risk

The biggest fear of an adult in late adulthood is failing. Any type of fall is serious and could possibly lead to many injuries and trips to the doctor. Falls can impact an individual immensely. Therefore, it is important for an older adult to understand the precautions to prevent falls in the future.

Mirlene great topic! The elderly are definitely at a higher risk for falls especially because many times they are on multiple medications prescribed by different physicians. This is another area that could have been added to the elderly in relation to falls. I’m sure you have seen it, as have I where a patient comes in because they fell at home and they are seeing a cardiologist, primary care provider and a nephrologist and none of those providers talk to each other. This is turn equals multiple medications and many with a risk of dizziness that can lead to a fall.

Heavy equipment may be used to free the victim All workers should go to the accident area to assist the rescue First aid should only

As population ages in all developing nations, impacts of falls remaining a huge problem for social and healthcare systems (Oliver, 2009). According to National Institute on Aging (NIA), in 2006 almost 500 million people worldwide were aged 65 or older. That number projected to reach 1 billion by 2030 with most rapid increases in developing countries. Because older adults are fastest growing segment of the United States population the problem is only going to get worth. An estimated 25% to 39% of adults aged 65 years or older fall each year (Keskin et al., 2008). Falls accounted for a leading cause of injuries, hospitalizations and death among elderly. Besides, people who sustained a fall within a past year will be more prone to

The risk of falling dramatically increases as one ages. According to Menant et al, a fall is defined as an “unexpected event in which the person comes to the ground, floor, or lower level”. In this study conducted by Menant et al, the authors desired to distinguish certain factors that may contribute to falls associated with the elderly.

Specifically, older Veterans are at a high risk for anticipated physiological falls (Quigley et al., 2006). Many Veterans and older

I believe that following these guidelines can decrease the risk of injury or hard to myself and others within the immediate vicinity.