Is Your Prescription Increasing Your Risk of a Fall?
Recent study found that nearly 95% of older adults take prescriptions that increase their risk of falling
A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Buffalo explored how certain prescription drugs that are meant to help with specific conditions actually may pose a health risk to the older adults who take them.
According to the CDC, “every second of every day, an older adult (age 65+) suffers from a fall in the US- making falls the leading cause of injury and injury death in this age group.” These falls, which are most of the time preventable, account for about 3 million emergency room visits per year and are the cause for more than 95% of hip fractures. These statistics demonstrate that falls are very much a public health concern for the aging population which is why it is problematic to now find that there is a connection between the prescribed medication a senior takes and their level of being a fall-risk.
The study began back in 1999 when less than 60% of seniors were taking prescription medications that affected their likelihood of falling. Fast-forward to 2017, that figure rose to nearly 95% of seniors!
Results of the study revealed that medications like high blood pressure medications and anti-depressants can increase fall-risks among older adults. Though there are certainly instances where such medication is required and this becomes a necessary evil, it is important to try to limit the amount of prescribed drugs that you or a loved one are taking and opt for natural remedies when possible.
Preventing Falls
The good news is that most of the time debilitating falls are preventable and with home care this is certainly the case! ABC Home Healthcare Professionals is committed to life at home- making aging-in-place a reality for so many who wish to continue living safely and independently in the comfort of their own homes. Especially in household scenarios whereby the laundry is in the basement or whereby a bathroom is not located on the main floor (just two of many examples), hiring an ABC homemaker or home health aide/personal care attendant can help keep your loved one safe by doing their laundry and other light housekeeping as well as helping them with other activities of daily living such as going to the bathroom, bathing, getting dressed etc. If you or someone you know lives alone and could benefit from additional help at home, give ABC a call today at 781-245-1880 and learn more about our homemaking and home health aide services!
