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What’s The Leading Cause Of Injury In The Elderly?
As people get older, falls become a leading cause of injury. About 25% of elderly adults take a fall each year in the US. Over time, people experience a decrease in balance, and bones become more brittle. Both of these factors increase the risk associated with falling. Sometimes, the resulting injuries require people to stay in a care facility while recovering or move permanently.
Who needs extra care?
If a fall causes an injury, patients should seek treatment right away. Some ailments, like a broken wrist, probably will not require an inpatient stay. Severe injuries, however, may call for extra monitoring. For example, if someone fell because of a mini-stroke or heart condition, patients will need to be treated for the underlying condition before returning home.
Rehabbing after a fall
Often, patients will need physical therapy after a fall. This is especially true if poor balance was the reason for the fall. A physical therapist will identify areas of weakness and give patients exercises to improve strength and stability. Physical therapy reduces a person’s chance of re-injury. Sometimes treatment can be done in the home. Other times, a person may go to a skilled nursing facility (SNF) for rehabilitation.
Long-term effects
Many people who suffer severe fall injuries, such as a hip fracture, have difficulty returning to the same quality of life as before. Many people have significant trouble performing daily tasks. Up to 90% of people experience pain with stairs after a fracture, and almost one-third have difficulty getting out of bed alone. This decline in function may mean that a person requires long-term care.
What are the long-term care options?
Many older adults want to stay at home for as long as possible. When the ability to live alone safely decreases, family members or caregivers need to look at other options. In some cases, people can benefit from home health services. For some people, a long-term care facility may be the best choice.
Choosing a care facility
Picking out a care facility for a loved one is a challenging and sometimes overwhelming task. Some key areas to consider include financing options, the care and attitude of staff and the activities offered. When touring facilities, watch how staff interact with current residents. People who are going into long-term care should feel comfortable with the staff and care providers. Also, inquire as to what activities are offered for residents. When residents are encouraged to be active, the risk of another fall goes down significantly. Find out more about care facility options by scheduling a tour.
