Few things can be as devastating to the health of an elderly individual as a fall. Preventing falls in the elderly is a vital and necessary step in ensuring safety and well-being throughout the aging process in the home, and it can be very simple. One of the first steps in doing so is to ensure the individual is strong and able to balance effectively when walking. The second is to provide a safe environment in which they can maneuver. After that comes evaluation for assistive devices and teaching on their appropriate use. These are all processes that a skilled chiropractor, such as Dr. Cary Bozeman, can assist you with today.

How Dangerous Are Falls in the Elderly?

Falls are the most common form of accident in those over the age of 65 and often lead to hospitalizations, disability, and sometimes death. Associated costs of care can be astronomical, and a fall can cause an otherwise functional senior citizen to require long-term skilled nursing care. This loss of function late in life can be devastating emotionally, physically, and economically.

Risk factors for falls:

• Prior fall history
• Weakened muscles
• Poor balance
• Visual impairments
• Taking multiple medications
• Abnormal gait
• Low blood pressure when standing
• Age over 80
• Other functional impairments, such as cognitive issues and incontinence
• Pain
• Living alone
• Deconditioning
• Poor nutrition
• Impaired vision

Keeping a safe environment includes the following:

• Remove throw rugs and other objects from the floor
• Install handrails and grab bars
• Maintain adequate lighting
• Reduce clutter
• Keep phones nearby and charged
• Be sure you know where pets are at all times to avoid tripping on them

Assistive Devices

Unfortunately, sometimes we still need assistance in the home to maneuver safely. Using a cane or walker can help prevent falls in the home and allow the user to maintain independence as long as possible. Being assessed properly can help you determine if you may need a form of an assistive device, and, if so, which one. A multidisciplinary approach is often needed to prevent falls and may include nutritional, psychosocial, and other referrals.

How Can a Chiropractor help?

Chiropractors can help restore normal form and function to the musculoskeletal system in many ways, which in turn can prevent falls by reducing risk factors such as weakened muscles and poor balance. This is particularly true of those who may have long-standing spinal issues that are contributing to poor gait and pain. They can also make referrals to other providers as necessary to optimize your health and well-being.

The stronger and healthier you are, the less likely you are to fall, and Dr. Gentry can assist you in this process every step of the way. Contact Dr. Cary Gentry at Waypoint Chiropractic in Bozeman, MT, today to be evaluated for your individualized care plan.

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Appeadu, M. K., Bordoni, B. (2022). Falls and Fall Prevention In The Elderly. In: StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK560761/

Kendall, J.C., Hartvigsen, J., French, S.D., Azari, M.F. “Is There a Role for Neck Manipulation in Elderly Falls Prevention?” – An overview.” The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, 2015 March; 59(1): 53-63. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4319454/.

Dougherty, P.E., Hawk, C., Weiner, D.K., Gleberzon, B., Andrew, K., Killinger, L. “The Role of Chiropractic Care in Older Adults.” Chiropractic & Manual Therapies, 2012; 20: 3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3306193/.

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