Page 37 - Senior Link Magazine Spring 2025 - Online Magazine

SENIOR RESOURCES SENIOR RESOURCES

causes of falls in seniors

CAUSES OF FALLS IN SENIORS • Dehydration or poor detection devices for high-
nutrition: Weakness or risk individuals.
Falls in older adults can be dizziness from inadequate
caused by a variety of factors, intake TREATMENT FOR SKIN INJURY
including: AFTER A FALL
PREVENTION OF FALLS
1. INTRINSIC FACTORS (RELATED 1. FIRST AID
TO THE INDIVIDUAL): 1. ENVIRONMENT
MODIFICATIONS: • Clean the wound: Gently
• Balance issues: Vestibular rinse with clean water to
problems, muscle weakness, • Remove trip hazards (e.g., remove debris.
or neurological conditions rugs, cords). • Control bleeding: Apply
(e.g., Parkinson’s, stroke)
• Install grab bars in bathrooms gentle pressure with a clean
• Chronic conditions: and railings on stairs. cloth or bandage.
Osteoarthritis, diabetes, or • Assess the wound: Look for
cardiovascular disease • Improve lighting in all areas
of the home. deep cuts, signs of infection,
• Medication side effects: or foreign objects.
Dizziness, sedation, • Use non-slip mats and
or hypotension from footwear. 2. APPLY A DRESSING:
medications like 2. HEALTH MANAGEMENT: • Use an antibiotic ointment to
antihypertensives, sedatives, prevent infection.
or diuretics • Address underlying health
conditions and optimize • Cover with a sterile, non-stick
• Sensory deficits: Poor vision, treatment. dressing or bandage.
hearing loss, or peripheral
neuropathy • Review medications with 3. MONITOR FOR INFECTION:
a doctor to minimize side
• Cognitive impairment: effects. • Look for redness, swelling,
Dementia or confusion can warmth, or pus.
lead to poor judgment or • Schedule regular vision and
missteps. hearing checks. • Seek wound care specialist
treatment if the wound does
2. EXTRINSIC FACTORS 3. PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: not heal, shows signs of
(ENVIRONMENTAL): infection, or is deep.
• Engage in balance and
• Unsafe surroundings: strength training (e.g., water 4. PAIN MANAGEMENT:
Clutter, slippery floors, loose aerobics or physical therapy).
rugs, or poor lighting • Over-the-counter pain
• Ensure regular walking or relievers (e.g., acetaminophen
• Improper footwear: Shoes light exercise to maintain or ibuprofen).
without adequate support or mobility.
non-slip soles 5. SKIN TEARS:
4. ASSISTIVE DEVICES:
3. BEHAVIORAL FACTORS: • If the skin flap is intact,
• Use walking aids like canes gently place it back in
• Risky activities: Climbing or walkers as needed. position before dressing.
on furniture, rushing, or
multitasking • Consider alarms or fall- • Skin tears can be treated by

Lubbock Senior Link 37