Fall prevention tips to keep you on your feet

Every year, millions of people, mostly older adults, experience falls that lead to injuries and emergency room visits. However, many of these falls and injuries can be prevented, according to Lisa Weitzman RN, CEN, TCRN, PMDC, Piedmont Trauma Performance Improvement Coordinator.

According to the National Trauma Data Base (NTDB), External Cause of Injury Matrix and Trauma Type Map, 50.7 percent of cases in the trauma data base are attributed to falls, Weitzman says. Further, she says that fall-related injuries are on the increase in people between the ages of 8-59. (p.5)

Weitzman said that Georgia is no different when it comes to injuries from falls. In 2023 the NTDB reported 21,225 falls from trauma centers across Georgia, with 557 of those resulting in death. (p. 45)

The ages reported to have sustained injury range from younger than 1 to 85 and older, with nearly 16,000 of those injuries occurring in people 55 and older. (p. 45)

The good news is, Weitzman says simple steps can greatly lessen the likelihood of falls.

Fall prevention guide

• Use recommended assistive devices such as canes, walkers or wheelchairs.
• Keep items used frequently within reach.
• Keep paths well lit, indoors and outdoors.
• DO NOT use any throw/area rugs in walking paths, as they are tripping hazards.
• Keep kitchen and bathroom floor dry, which prevents slipping.
• Wear properly fitting rubber-soled shoes.
• Be aware of pets’ location while moving through the home.
• Install extra handrails where needed, especially in the shower and beside toilets.
• Keep stairs free of clutter.

Before falls occur, people who experience dizziness should speak to their physicians, Weitzman says, because dizziness can often be attributed to medications, changes in blood pressure or other conditions that can be addressed.

Weitzman advises people to go to the Emergency Room if they fall and hit their head, especially if they are on blood thinning medications.

“Call 911 for help immediately if you have had a brief loss of consciousness or have difficulty moving after the fall,” Weitzman says. “Be sure to be seen at your local emergency room if you have any blurred vision, numbness or tingling after any fall, or if you are unable to bear weight on your legs."

Balance and coordination can always be improved, but become more important as people age, Weitzman says.

"Strength exercises and physical therapy can help with balance and mobility,” Weitzman says. “This can decrease your risk for falls. Call your primary care provider to see if physical therapy is available."

If you don’t have a primary care physician, you can find one here.

Georgia DPH (2023) Georgia Trauma Registry Annual Report