Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury related deaths. They are also the most common cause of non-fatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma1.
Those at most at risk
- are aged 65 years and over
- live alone or are left alone for extended periods
- use mobility assisted devices such as mobility scooters, walkers, crutches and walking canes
- take several medications daily
- have a history of one or more falls
- would be unable to get up easily after a fall
- have been in hospital within the past 12 months
- are physically frail or suffer from physical weakness
- have sensory deficits such as vision, balance or hearing
- have other health problems that may increase the risk of falling
- have safety hazards in the home such as stairs that cannot be modified.
Reduce the risk
- keep active
- have regular check-ups including balance and strength test assessments
- have their eyesight checked regularly
- check their homes of potential risks - removing obstacles including electrical cords, carpets, ensuring their homes are well light, installing handrails where necessary, keeping walkways clear
- have item at easy reach at home especially phones
- stand up slowly after lying down or sitting
- for those living in residential care, vitamin D supplementation is recommended to enhance muscle strength and bone density
- all patients over eighty should have a plan in place for how they are going to summon help
- consider a St John medical alarm.
Getting help quickly is vital
- Medical alarms can be effective in improving the general quality of life of the elderly including a reduction in anxiety and the feeling of being safe at home.
- They have been shown to improve patients’ functional independence and autonomy in activities of daily living2
- 24/7 emergency care at the touch of a button, offer caregivers and families piece of mind over the safety of their family member.
Why Hato Hone St John
Hato Hone St John is New Zealand’s leading medical alarm provider and one of only four Government accredited and endorsed medical alarm providers in New Zealand. Our medical alarms are monitored directly by Hato Hone St John and are the medical alarms recommended most often by GPs3. Choosing a St John medical alarm helps to support St John ambulance and other essential community services. Click here to arrange a free trial of a St John medical alarm today.
References: *ACC, 2012. 1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. Web-based Injury Statistics Query and Reporting System 2006. 2. Vincent C, Reinharz D, Deaudelin I, Garceau M, Talbot LR. Public telesurveillance service for frail elderly living at home, outcomesand cost evolution: quasi experimental design with two follow-ups. Health Qual Life Outcomes. 2006 3. IMS GP omnibus survey, 2014.