Pasadena Fire Dept. Launches Campaign to Prevent Falls Among Seniors – Pasadena Now

The Pasadena Fire Department has started a campaign to educate older adults about preventing falls, a leading cause of injuries among those 65 and older. The initiative comes as Falls Prevention Awareness Day, marked on Sept. 23, draws near.

Fire Chief Chad Augustin said he is concerned over the rising number of falls, many of which he believes are preventable.

"We have seen a significant increase in falls and many of the situations are avoidable," Augustin said. "We are hoping our outreach and education will help bring down these numbers and keep our community safer long-term."

The National Council on Aging reports that falls are the primary cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for people aged 65 and above. These incidents can result in hip fractures, broken bones, and head injuries, officials say.

Even falls without major injuries can have serious consequences, potentially causing fear or depression in older adults. This can affect their quality of life and independence, making it difficult for them to maintain an active lifestyle, according to the fire Department.

Augustin emphasized the importance of using recommended assistive devices consistently.

"Often when physicians recommend that a patient use assisted devices such as a cane or a walker, they should continue to use them at home as well, but many don't because they have a false sense of security in their own home," he stated.

The Fire Department outlined several factors that can increase fall risk, including decreased balance and flexibility, vision problems, medication side effects, and chronic health conditions. Environmental hazards in the home can also contribute to falls.

More than 90% of older adults have at least one chronic condition like diabetes, stroke, or arthritis, which can increase fall risk, the Department noted. These conditions often result in lost function, inactivity, depression, pain, or multiple medications.

For home safety, the Department advises removing tripping hazards such as throw rugs, increasing lighting, making stairs safe, and installing grab bars in key areas. They also stressed the importance of taking action once mobility difficulties or instability begin.

Here are some common factors that can lead to a fall:

* Balance and flexibility: As we age, most of us lose coordination, flexibility and balance primarily through inactivity, making it easier to fall.

* Vision: In the aging eye, less light reaches the retina making contrasting edges, tripping hazards and obstacles harder to see. New research suggests hearing loss can also contribute to the risk of falling.

* Medications: Some prescriptions and over-the-counter medications can cause dizziness, dehydration or interactions with each other that can lead to a fall.

* Environment: Most seniors have lived in their homes for a long time and have never thought about simple modifications that might keep it safer as they age.

* Chronic conditions: More than 90% of older adults have at least one chronic condition like diabetes, stroke or arthritis. Often, these increase the risk of falling because they result in lost function, inactivity, depression, pain or multiple medications.

The good news about falls is that most of them can be prevented. Here are six easy steps to reduce the risk of falls:

* Find a good balance and exercise program: Look to build balance, strength and flexibility. Find a program you like and take a friend.

* Talk to your health care provider: Ask for an assessment of your risk of falling. Share your history of recent falls.

* Regularly review your medications with your doctor or pharmacist: Make sure side effects aren't increasing your risk of falling. Take medications only as prescribed.

* Get your vision and hearing checked annually and update your eyeglasses: Your eyes and ears are key to keeping you on your feet.

* Keep your home safe: Remove tripping hazards such as throw rugs, increase lighting, make stairs safe and install grab bars in key areas.

* Talk to family members: Enlist their support in taking simple steps to stay safe. Falls are not just a seniors' issue.

Falls are not an inevitable part of aging, the Department said, while encouraging older adults experiencing mobility issues or instability to seek medical assessment. Doctors can provide a fall risk assessment or refer patients to a physical therapist for personalized fall prevention strategies.