BY DAVE WEIMAN

Each year, more than two million older Americans go to the emergency room because of fall-related injuries. A simple fall can cause a serious fracture of the arm, hand, ankle or hip. This is particularly troubling when we find that many falls occur in long-term care homes where we would expect special attention would be given to preventing falls.

“Fall Prevention” has been discussed for a long time, and to date we have not found a real solution. That may be due, in part, to practices which address the symptoms of falls, rather than the cause. Too often, the staff prematurely determines that a new resident has a significant fall risk and needs to be placed in a wheelchair. But, falls still happen. They fall while transferring from their wheelchair to their bed or commode. Or they fall out of wheelchairs because they leaned too far forward, or try to stand up and walk.

We need to focus on training residents to walk more, further, safer and more often. Residents who walk independently fall less often and suffer fewer severe injuries.

There are excellent programs available to help elders maintain, and often regain, their sense of balance and strengthen in their ambulatory motions. One of the best is the GROW Program (www.thegrowprogram.net). It consists of some very simple movements that can be done with minimal assistance, and it doesn’t require a lot time.

For example, the following can be done 3-4 times a week while seated in a regular arm chair: Knee bend Leg Lifts; Leg Lifts; Leg Circles; Arm Stretches.

And these standing exercises, also done 3-4 times a week, can be done while holding onto a sturdy chair or handrail: Side Stepping, Both Directions; Bending Squats; Heel to Toe Walking; Marching In Place.

There are more intensive programs available, as well. And some very good assessment guides to assist an admission staff better categorize elders for falling risks. The point should be to improve the balance and strength of older persons, rather than place them in wheelchairs, which only weakens their muscles and reduces their natural balancing abilities.

Go to www.carecompasspeoria.org

for more suggestions and guidance for finding quality elder care.

Dave Weiman is the founder of Care Compass, a free online site to assist elders and their families find Elder Care in the Peoria area.  Dave has been engaged for over 10 years in improving the quality of care, so elders can enjoy a life of quality.