Did you know one in every three persons over the age of 65 falls each year, and one quarter of those adults will have a second fall within six months? Home Care Partners, a nonprofit home care agency in Washington, D.C. reports falls are the major cause of morbidity and mortality in older people with cognitive impairments such as dementia. In fact, in the over 65 population the majority of fatal falls occur in the home. The consequences of these falls can range from minor bruises and scrapes to fractures and life-threatening injuries and complications. In addition to the physical injuries caused by falls, older adults who fall will often lose confidence in their own abilities, which can impact their independence.
Home Care Partners also reports the incidence of falls is five times greater in the cognitively impaired, and those older adults are at an increased risk for sustaining a serious injury from a fall. One half of the fractures sustained by the cognitively impaired are to the femoral neck (hip fracture), which is three times greater than older adults who do not have cognitive impairments. The risk factors for people with dementia include poor balance and gait problems, and problems using assistive devices properly, such as canes or walkers. Individuals with dementia also face challenges in processing their surroundings or in knowing when or how to remove clutter or other obstacles.
Live Free Home Health Care’s Clinical Director and Co-Owner, Jennifer Harvey RN BSN CDP, recently obtained her certification as a Dementia Practioner from the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners. Harvey has been educated in the highest standards of Alzheimer’s and dementia care, utilizing her certification to train LFHHC’s team of caregivers in order to provide confident, knowledgeable, and quality care for our clients.
Learn more about preventing falls in the home or download our Tips for Preventing Falls checklist.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia and needs assistance, Live Free Home Health Care can help to provide in-home caregiving services. Call to schedule a free in-home initial assessment at 603-217-0149 or visit LiveFreeHomeHealthCare.com for more information.
You can also download our Warning Signs That Care is Needed if you are concerned a loved one is in need of assistance to maintain life at home.