“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” – Ben Franklin
The most common causes of preventable injuries in older adults according to the CDC (Center for Disease Control) and the American Geriatrics Society (AGS) are falls, motor vehicle collisions, and medication-related accidents. Prevention of harm starts in the home and optimal home safety management ensures the greatest potential for a life lived to its greatest potential for age and health.
Fall Prevention
The most common cause of injuries in older adults is falls. This can occur via several scenarios such as by tripping over a rug, getting out of bed, walking an animal, or even standing from a chair too fast. Decreased strength, balance, and coordination all contribute to an increased fall risk as we get older. The ideal way to prevent falls is by participating in regular exercise and strength training to maintain balance and muscle strength. Beyond this, patients can minimize risks by securing furniture, removing rugs, and installing grab bars in the bathroom. Patients can also have a third-party do a walkthrough of their home and speak with a physician to ensure that they have taken adequate measures to prevent falls at home.
Motor Vehicle Collisions
Whether we are coming or going, a patient’s vehicle is often considered an extension of the home itself. In management of risk factors when driving, the most important by far is to get regular vision exams and to avoid driving at night or if vision is impaired. Some immutable aspects that contribute to increased MVC injuries in older adults are age related dementia and slower reaction times. While we cannot prevent these things from occurring as we get older, a physician is able to identify aspects of disease early in progression and advise patients when it may no longer be safe to drive. Regular check-insare a must as we get older.
Medication Management
Medications are often necessary for older adults to manage conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. While medications are well-studied and safe in managing these conditions. Nothing we consume is without side effects, especially when multiple medications are being taken together (polypharmacy). Moreover, medication errors such as taking too many of a certain kind of drug are more likely to occur when taking many medications. Pill organizers, setting reminders, and having a PCP regularly review your medications are ideal ways to minimize this risk. Ensure all medications are properly labeled and always double check the label before taking a medication or distributing it with a pill organizer.
Dr. Fellers is a resident physician who sees patients of all ages and provides obstetrical services at Lone Star Family Health Center, a non-profit 501©3 Federally Qualified Health Center operating facilities in Conroe, Spring, Willis, Grangerland, and Huntsville, and serving as home to a fully integrated Family Medicine Residency Program to increase the number of Family Medicine physicians for Texas and our community.