Don’t Normalize Falls: Top Strategies to Keep Seniors On Their Feet

Falls are the leading cause of injuries in older adults, and experts say soaring rates of fall-related death and injuries are one of most significant health issues facing today’s aging society.

From 2007 to 2016, fall death rates in the United States increased 31%, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And if the current trajectory continues, the CDC projects seven older adults will die from falls every hour by 2030.

The good news: nearly one-third of falls can be prevented with proactive screening and intervention programs that address the many causes — from underlying medical conditions and medication side effects to issues as simple as bad lighting to poorly placed rugs or furniture.

Advertisement

Sue Miller, director of clinical operations external business for Optum, has led a project in three Colorado senior communities that helped reduce falls by a third, and fall-related hospitalizations by 100%.

Miller’s study measured the effectiveness of standardized falls prevention programs, and established a direct correlation between education, collaboration and clinicians’ willingness to implement fall prevention interventions.

“The results underscore just how important it is to remember that falls aren’t a regular part of aging,” Miller says. “And the best fall prevention programs focus on stopping them before they happen.”

Advertisement

Stopping falls before they happen: tips for screening and prevention programs

That means screenings must be done regularly to identify residents at risk. Besides asking residents on every visit if they have had a recent fall, Optum conducts quarterly assessments and discusses resident status with the facility nurses, therapists and staff on every visit.

Optum also helps communities develop their own screening programs. Among the must-dos:

Medication reviews

Many medications seniors take for chronic conditions — such as blood pressure, cardiac issues, pain, depression or anxiety — can increase their fall risk. Even over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, or allergy medication, negatively impact fall rates. 

Vitamin D screening

Many residents, particularly those with chronic conditions, often have limited sun exposure. Vitamin D deficiencies contribute to orthostatic hypotension, which can make people feel off-balance or dizzy. SNFs must get a baseline reading of resident vitamin D levels to ensure they are not deficient.

Therapy

Therapy and exercise are key to keeping muscles strong. Many communities have weekly exercise classes and access to therapy services. One organization Miller works with has weekly exercise sessions where residents also get screened at that session.

Education, communication and collaboration: why fall prevention is an ongoing process

Preventing falls requires constant focus and attention, with staff members learning new ways to help residents.

Continuing education, communication and collaboration are key to improving falls management.

Reporting falls is also imperative.

“We use every touch point with them, whether it’s a comprehensive visit or if we’re just talking to them about their medications,” Miller says. “We use that time to talk about their fall risk and the importance of reporting it, even if they didn’t have an injury.”

Because effective falls prevention is about taking the proactive, rather than reactive approach, Miller says

“Having an effective falls prevention program at the forefront is critical for all providers who care for the elderly,” she says.

This article is sponsored by Optum, whose care model and UnitedHealthcare Assisted Living Plan brings specialized health plan benefits, clinical support and expertise to residents in skilled nursing facilities. To learn more on how this patient-centric model can benefit both you and your patients, download this free white paper at optum.com/fallsprevention.

Companies featured in this article: