Susan Kinkade, RN, BSN, CEN, Trauma Outreach/ Injury Prevention Coordinator at Banner University Medical Center led a clinic for the Elders and informational session for St. Luke’s staff to heighten awareness on fall prevention. (She is pictured above, far right, leading Elders through fall prevention exercises).
“Falls are the leading cause of serious injury and death among people aged 65 and older. Two thirds of those who fall will fall again within 6 months,” Kinkade told Elders and staff. “And 25% of seniors who fracture a hip will die within six months of injury. The rate of falls for residents in care homes is twice as large as the rate of falls which occur for elders living in the community.”
She had good news too. There is much that can be done to decrease the risk of falls. She noted that new medicines, inner ear problems, vision changes and dehydration can all impact balance. Both staff and Elders were urged to pay attention to these potential causes of falls.
St. Luke’s will also conduct a room-by-room review, led by Intern Eleanor Batista-Malat, to make sure rooms are safe. She will be looking for such things as freeing up floor clutter and ensuring well-lit paths to the bathroom.