Falls at home are a serious problem. They are the leading cause
of death in women and the fourth leading cause of death in men
between 65 and 85 years of age. Hospital admissions for hip fractures
among the elderly accounted for 332,000 admissions in 1999. Falls
result in broken bones, hospitalizations, recovery and rehabilitation
cost and time. Unfortunately, a lasting physical disability is
often the result. These physical impairments may make it extremely
difficult for the elder to move about independently and remain in his or her own home or put
them in the position where they need physical assistance to get
in and out of bed.
Falls cause loss of confidence and develop fearfulness. An
elder's fears may cause them to limit activities or restrict
trips outside the home. This causes decline in physical strength
and balance and contributes to isolation from the community.
If you are aware that your loved
one is experiencing falls, a case manager can help by:
In a national telephone survey of 2,000 people conducted for AARP
in late 1999, the results showed overwhelmingly that people are
"Fixing to Stay" in their own homes and are willing to
make the changes necessary to make living at home possible. Eight
of ten people age 45 and older and more than nine out of ten
people age 65 and older say that they want to stay where they are
for as long as possible.
Even if they need help caring for themselves, 82% would prefer
not to move from their current home.
An assessment of home barriers by a case manager will help you
plan for the changes that need to be made to accommodate physical
changes because of illness or mobility problems. The earlier that
the physical barriers that exist in the home are evaluated, the
more time there is to make the necessary arrangements for
financing the renovations needed.
Safe
Living at Home