More than one-third of Americans 65 years old or older fall each year. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths and the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma for the elderly. Twenty to thirty percent of falls result in moderate to severe injuries including bruising, fractures and head trauma. Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries account for 46% of fall-related deaths in the elderly. The Centers for Disease Control provides information to help prevent falls among the elderly.

Four things to do to reduce the risk of falls are to exercise regularly, have a pharmacist review your medications, have your vision checked, and make your home safer. Lack of exercise causes muscle weakness, which contributes to a loss of balance. Exercise that combines strengthening with balance and coordination is the most helpful, such as Tai Chi. A review of all medications (prescription and over-the-counter) and supplements can help identify side effects such as drowsiness or dizziness that may increase the risk of falls. Poor vision can also increase the risk of falls. Vision should be checked annually to assure your glasses are correct and to identify eye diseases such as glaucoma or cataracts that may affect vision. About half of all falls occur in the home. Here are some tips to make your home safer. Remove loose items such as papers, clothes, and shoes from walkways and stairs. Remove area rugs or use double-sided tape to keep them from slipping. Keep items you use regularly at levels you can reach without having to use a step stool. Install grab bars by your toilet and shower. Use non-slip mats in the shower and on bathroom floors. Improve lighting in your home so you can see better. As you age, you need brighter light to see well. Reduce glare from windows by using light-weight curtains or shades. Install handrails and lights on all steps or staircases. Wear shoes both inside and outside your home. Avoid going barefoot or wearing slippers that can increase slips.

Taos Pharmacy and The Total Health and Wellness Center of Taos are committed to helping with the care of the elderly at home. Taos Pharmacy is opening Home Health Plus, a 2,000-square-foot home health department next to Taos Pharmacy in Piñon Plaza. We will stock a full line of home health products including grab bars for the bathroom, elevated toilet seats, bedside commodes, reach extenders, lift chairs, and walkers that improve home safety. The Total Health and Wellness Center of Taos specializes in medication reviews to identify side effects and interactions to avoid serious adverse events. Taos Pharmacy and The Total Health and Wellness Center of Taos are your home health care resources. Let us help you care for your family.

References: http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Falls/adultfalls.html, http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/pub-res/toolkit/Falls_ToolKit/DesktopPDF/English/brochure_Eng_desktop.pdf.

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