ࡱ> .0-% bjbj%% "$GGl $Ih$  0     w V  p2D:,.n <Iv,})l} Falls and Mobility Disorders Patient Information Sheet Why are falls and mobility disorders a problem for the elderly? Falls can cause major injury and cause a person to go to the hospital. Sometimes a person is admitted to a nursing home because of a fall. Many falls can be prevented. But, older patients often do not tell their doctor that they have these problems. Tell your doctor that you have fallen or are afraid of falling. This may help to prevent future harm. What leads to falls in the elderly? There are many possible causes: Weak legs and unstable walking. Balance problems Poor vision Memory problems Certain types of medications Your blood pressure drops when you are standing Even routine activities can lead to a fall. A person can have trouble getting dressed or slip in the bath. Facts You Can Use about Falls and Problems Walking Factors that can increase your chances of falling Weak legs and being dizzy can get in the way of walking or keeping your balance. They can make a fall more likely to happen. If you have any of these problems, tell your doctor. Your doctor can offer you medical treatments. Your doctor may offer you exercise programs to try that might improve your symptoms. Exercise programs can also lower your chances of falling. Poor vision can increase your chance of falling. Have your eyes checked at least once a year, or more often if your vision changes. Certain types of medicines may increase your chances of falling. The same is true if you take a lot of medications. Make a list of your prescription medicines and over-the-counter medicines. Go over this list with your doctor. You should do this at least once a year. If you change or add a new medication to your list, your doctor should review the list again. Your home can be a cause of some falls. Things like poor lighting, loose rugs, and objects or furniture in walking areas are hazards. Ask your doctor about a home safety checklist to use to check your home. Certain changes to your home may help to prevent a future fall. You can change your home by having grab bars put in the bathroom. You can fasten down loose rugs. Tell your doctor if you have fallen or are afraid of falling If you have fallen, your doctor will want to find out what caused the fall. Once you have been checked, the doctor can make a treatment plan. This plan should reduce or prevent future falls and help you to get around safely. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor about your falls. Also make your doctor aware of your concerns about your walking or balance. Together, you can make a plan to try and prevent future falls. Difficulty walking-a cane or walker can make you less likely to fall Many people over the age of 65 have walking and/or balance problems. This may be due to injuries or painful joints. It could be from other medical problems. The use of a device, like a cane or walker, can make your walking more secure. There are many types of devices. Your doctor can tell you if you would be helped by one of these. And he or she can tell you where to find the device that is best for you. Exercise can help reduce the incidence of falls Physical activity can help your strength and balance. You should get regular exercise. This can decrease the chance of falls. Speak with your doctor about what would be best for you. Your doctor may want you to have physical therapy. This can make you stronger or more secure in walking. You may need it if you have had an injury. It is helpful for those just starting to use a new device like a cane or walker. Physical activity that builds strength in your legs and upper body can help prevent falls. Your doctor may give you exercises to do. Senior centers may have programs you like. There may be low-impact or water aerobics classes. There may be Tai Chi, and walking programs as well. Tai Chi is a gentle form of Chinese exercise shown to improve balance. Talk to your doctor about what you should do next. Questions for You or a Family Member to Ask Your Doctor This is a list of questions you can ask your doctor. If you think of any more, write them in the space below. Do I need any more tests to find the cause of my falling or balance problems? Are any of my medications making me unsteady? Do I need physical therapy or exercises to build up strength? Should I be using a device to help support me, like a cane or walker? Would hip protectors be of any help to me? Do I need to make changes in my home like grab-bars or rails? How do I get them installed? Are there any community resources, such as classes that could help me? Should I see a specialist? 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