Each year one in three adults age 65 years or older falls, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the possibility of serious injury from falling increases even more dramatically by the time your parents reach the age of 85.
When accompanying your parents on a doctor visit, use the opportunity to find out if your parent is at risk for falling and what can be done to prevent a fall. The questions below should help. (Make sure to bring along all your parent's prescriptions and over-the-counter medications.)
-
Could my parent's medications increase her risk of falling?
Medications such as diuretics (which cause your parent to urinate) or blood pressure medication can cause dizziness, leading to falls. Interactions between medications can have the same effect.
-
If so, could changing to a different medication or lower dosage help?
Some medications for such common ills as excess stomach acid or ulcers can cause dizziness, but there are often alternative medications available that can treat the condition without such side effects. What's more, often older people are fine with lower doses than the usual adult dosage.
-
What gait and balance tests can you do to determine my parent's risk for falling?
Tests that help determine risk for falls include simple leg strength and gait tests. The doctor will observe whether your parent uses her hands to get up from a chair, which indicates leg weakness. He can watch to see if your parent favors one side, whether her walking is steady, and whether she experiences dizziness when she turns or shifts position while walking.
-
Could my parent have an underlying treatable medical conditions that puts her at greater risk for falling?
Among health conditions that can add to the risk of falling are postural hypotension (or low blood pressure that's caused by a change in position), heart disorders (such as arrhythmia, or an irregular heartbeat), changes in vision, incontinence (because she may be rushing to get to the toilet), numbness in the feet from diabetes, dementia, and Parkinson's disease. Osteoporosis can also put her at greater risk of suffering an injury from a fall.
-
Are there any problems with my mother's feet or the type of shoes she wears?
Problems with feet, including pain, bunions, or poorly fitting, unstable, or unsupportive shoes, can cause her to fall or trip. Her doctor may refer her to a podiatrist or recommend different shoes.
-
What exercises do you recommend to improve my parent's balance and strength?
Your mother may benefit from physical therapy or occupational therapy, or she may be able to take exercise classes that strengthen muscles and help with balance. Senior centers, local offices on aging, and local hospitals may have recommendations for classes.
-
Is my mother using the right cane or walker, or should she see an occupational therapist?
An occupational therapist can tell if your mother's cane or walker is more of a hazard or a help, and how she can use the device to move more easily and safely.
Sources
Laurence Z. Rubenstein et al. "Risk Factors for Falls: A Central Role in Prevention." Generations, Journal of the American Society on Aging. Winter 2002-03.
http://www.cdc.gov/print.do?url=http%3A//www.cdc.gov/ncipc/factsheets/adultfalls.htm
