Preventing Falls in Older Adults Saves Lives

Submitted by Hospice of Marion County

As of 2021 data collected by the CDC, Florida had 3,816 deaths from falls by older adults, which was a death rate of 87.3 per 100,000 from falls among adults age 65 and older. According to the CDC website, the adjusted death rate across the U.S. is rising. Each year millions of people age 65 or older fall. In fact, more than one out of four older people fall each year, but less than half tell their primary care doctor. Falls can be serious and very costly if they cause broken bones or a head injury. Here are a few statistics:

• 3 million older adults are treated in emergency rooms for falls each year

• Over 800 million are hospitalized due to a fall that caused head injuries and/or hip fractures

• Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries

• Each year approximately $50 billion is spent on medical costs for falls that are non-fatal and $754 million is spent on fatal falls

Whether it’s you or someone you know, we’ve all experienced accidents, falls and other mishaps that can cause havoc on our bodies. Preventing falls in the home helps curb hospital stays and emergency room visits. According to the National Council on Aging, one-fourth of Americans aged 65+ falls each year and falls are the leading cause of non-fatal emergency room visits and hospital admissions among older adults. Plus, statistics reveal that one fall usually leads to another in the future among this age group.

Falls at any age take away what matters most, our quality of life and independence. This is especially true for older age groups. Taking extra care when walking and taking precautions goes a long way in maintaining better health as you age.

Tips to help prevent falls:
• Increase strength and balance through walking, swimming or other types of exercise such as yoga or tai chi

• Get rid of trip hazards in your home such as clutter and extension cords in walkways

• Removing rugs that slip or that are worn and curled up around the edges

• Add grab bars in bathrooms and at outside doors of the house

• Install handrails and better lighting where needed inside your home

There are currently over 40 million people in the U.S. aged 65+ and this number is anticipated to double by 2050. As a result, demand for durable medical equipment (DME) is in higher demand for this segment of the population due to normal aging ailments, falls and other illnesses.

Whether in short-term or long-term care, and especially with post-surgery care at home, DME home medical equipment and supplies play an assistive role in faster patient recovery. Luckily, there are many options for consumers of home medical supplies and equipment ranging from personal aids for daily living, mobility aids such as canes, walkers, and wheel chairs, to monitoring equipment such as oxygen and diabetic supplies to hospital beds.

Accent Medical, a durable medical equipment company and affiliate of Hospice of Marion County, is a not-for-profit organization that in addition to serving hospice patients and their families, offers the same quality care and products to anyone in Marion County. Clients can pick up or if home delivery is required, that too can be arranged.

Accent Medical technicians will hand-assemble in the home, educate folks on safe and easy ways to operate all of the equipment, making sure clients understand “how to” instructions before leaving their home. Additionally, if purchasing equipment is not in your budget or required for long-term use, an option to rent is available as well. Accent Medical will provide a free price estimate and recommend only the items that are right for the customer.

To learn more about Accent Medical, call (352) 622-7260 or visit: www.accentmedical.org