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CA Department of Aging Launches Injury Prevention Campaign

SACRAMENTO, CA — June 19, 2002 — The California Department of Aging recently launched an education campaign to help reduce the number of falls and related injuries experienced by the elderly. In California, 950 senior deaths per year are the result of falls. Nationwide, elderly nursing home residents die from falls at the rate of 1,800 per year (Fall Injuries in the Elderly, Clin Geriatr Med 1985 Aug;1(3):501–12).

Ways to Reduce Falls

“The key to slowing and hopefully stopping these preventable injuries and deaths is to get the prevention message out to seniors, disabled adults, and their families as well as to their caregivers,” said Lynda Terry, the Director of the California Department of Aging (California Department of Aging Press Release, July 11, 2002).

Ms. Terry gave these prevention tips for seniors:

  • remove clutter in and around the home or care facility;
  • use devices such as grab bars, handrails, ramps, and canes;
  • consider strength training; and
  • get proper nutrition.

Falls Occurring in Nursing Homes

Most falls occur in or around the home, according to the California Department of Aging. However, approximately 50% of the 1.5 million nursing home residents throughout the United States fall at least once each year, and among people 85 years and older, 20% of fall–related deaths occur in nursing homes (Falls and Instability in the Elderly, J Am Geriatr Soc 1988 Mar; 36(3):266–78).

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a list of ideas for preventing falls in nursing homes that is similar to the suggestions presented by the California Department of Aging. In addition, the CDC recommends that nursing home staff review each senior’s medication because certain prescription drugs may contribute to balance or gait problems. The agency also encourages nursing homes to lower bed heights, install handrails in hallways, and to equip residents with protective hip pads.

Physical restraints are not recommended. By limiting freedom of movement and personal autonomy, physical restraints cause deconditioning and muscle atrophy, contributing to fall–related injuries.

At Brayton Purcell, we are concerned with the health and safety of our senior clients. If you have a question about your care in a nursing facility and your legal rights, please feel free to contact us.

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