Prevention chutes

Fall prevention: a significant safety issue  

14 Apr 2023

Falls are a major public health problem, particularly among older people. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), approximately 28-35% of people over 65 suffer at least one fall yearly. Falls are among the most common accidents, leading to head injuries, fractures, and post-fall syndrome. It is, therefore, crucial to prevent falls to ensure people's safety.  

The WHO definition of a fall is as follows: an event in which a person inadvertently lands on the ground or other surface at a lower level than before.

There are many causes of falls. Risk factors can be related to the environment, such as slippery or poorly lit floors, obstacles, poorly designed stairs, etc. They can also be related to physical factors, such as loss of muscle strength, decreased flexibility, balance problems, etc. Cognitive disorders and medication can also be risk factors.  

Prevention of falls is primarily a matter of risk assessment. This assessment should take into account the specific risk factors of each person. For this, it is recommended to consult a health professional who can carry out a medical examination and an environmental assessment.  

Once the risk factors have been identified, preventive measures can be implemented. Preventative measures can be tailored to each individual depending on their specific needs. Some examples of preventive measures are:    

Adjusting the environment:

Risks can be reduced by adjusting the person's environment, for example, by installing grab bars in the bathroom, removing slippery carpets, lighting the stairs, etc.

Exercise: 

Regular exercise strengthens muscles and improves balance, which reduces the risk of falls. It is recommended to consult a health professional to choose the most appropriate activities.

Adjusting medication: 

Some medications can increase the risk of falls. It is, therefore, essential to consult a health professional to adapt medicines to each person's specific needs.

Fitting fall prevention devices: 

Fall sensors can help prevent falls. These devices can detect and send an emergency call to care staff. This fall-detection technology offers peace of mind to family members and caregivers concerned about fall-related injuries.  

In conclusion, falls prevention is a significant safety issue. Identifying the specific risk factors for each person and implementing appropriate prevention measures is crucial. 

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