Falls can be alarming, especially for seniors. Even if no injury seems apparent, a post-fall medical assessment is essential. Understanding the underlying causes of a fall can help prevent future incidents and guarantee the ongoing safety and well-being of your loved ones.
Whether a fall occurs in the home or elsewhere, it’s important to follow up with a medical professional to address potential health issues that may have contributed to the fall.
Identifying Underlying Causes
An extensive post-fall medical assessment can identify the reasons behind a fall, which might not be immediately obvious. For instance, high or low blood pressure can lead to dizziness or fainting. During the assessment, it’s important for the medical professional to check blood pressure both while sitting and standing. This can reveal any fluctuations that could increase the risk of falling. Medications for blood pressure and other conditions may need adjustment to mitigate this risk.
Balance and gait are also critical areas to evaluate. A gait examination can detect issues with walking and balance, which could stem from pain in the back, feet, or joints. Hence, addressing these problems through physical therapy or other interventions can significantly reduce the likelihood of future falls.
Health Issues to Consider
During a post-fall medical assessment, it’s essential to discuss any health concerns that may have contributed to the fall. Conditions such as anemia, urinary tract infections, cardiovascular diseases, dehydration, stroke, pneumonia, and Parkinson’s disease can all cause weakness and instability. By identifying and treating these conditions, we can help improve overall health and stability and reduce the risk of subsequent falls.
Vitamin D levels should also be checked, as low vitamin D can weaken bones. This can make fractures more likely if a fall occurs. A medical professional can determine if a vitamin D supplement is needed and prescribe the appropriate dosage to strengthen bones and improve balance.
Reviewing Medications
A thorough review of all medications, both prescription and over-the-counter is a vital part of the post-fall medical assessment. Many medications can increase the risk of falls due to side effects such as dizziness or drowsiness. Discuss with the doctor any medications your loved one is taking for diabetes, dementia, sleep disorders, vertigo, pain, depression, anxiety, hypertension, allergies, nausea, or overactive bladder. Also, adjusting doses or switching medications may help reduce fall risks.
Conducting Necessary Blood Tests
Blood tests can provide valuable insights into potential causes of falls. Checking blood sugar and sodium levels can reveal imbalances that might contribute to instability. Other important tests include a complete blood cell count (CBC), kidney function tests, and electrolyte levels. If your loved one has diabetes, bringing their blood sugar log and glucometer to the assessment can be helpful for the doctor.
Guaranteeing the safety and well-being of seniors is our priority at Discovery Village at Tampa Palms. A post-fall medical assessment is essential for identifying and addressing the underlying causes of falls and helping to prevent future incidents and maintain a high quality of life. By understanding the importance of these assessments, we can work together to provide a safer environment for your loved ones.
If you are concerned about the risk of falls for your loved one, or if they have recently experienced a fall, we encourage you to contact us for more information on how we can help. Our retirement community offers holistic care and support to guarantee the health and safety of all our residents. Explore our assisted senior living options to learn more about our services. Together, we can help your loved ones lead safer, healthier lives.
