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Your South King Firefighters and public fire educators perform the home assessments. They also install such risk reduction devices (RRDs) as tub grab bars, toilet assist bars, shower chairs, transfer benches, bed assist railings, wall grab bars, rug slips, bath mats, night lights, tread tape, smoke alarms, and carpet tape. They will also leave a PATIENT INFORMATION POCKET CARD listing medical history, meds, etc. for future use. |
An especially crucial component of any fall evaluation is an assessment of the patient's medications. The use of four or more prescribed medications has been found to be a risk factor for falls. In addition to reviewing the medication list, it is important to find out which of these are actually being taken and whether any over-the-counter or herbal preparations are being used. Seemingly benign medications such as (Benadryl) can adversely affect the elderly because of their anti-cholinergic properties. |
Falls in the elderly are a serious problem with high morbidity and mortality. It has been estimated that of those 65 and older who are living in their own homes, nearly one-third will fall each year. Of those who fall, one in forty will be hospitalized. Of those who are hospitalized, only half will be alive at the end of year. Those who have had one fall are at increased risk for further falls. It is hoped that the relatively inexpensive intervention of making the home environment safer will prevent elderly patients who have had a previous fall from having another potentially more dangerous fall. |
Have any of your parents, family members or friends fallen in their homes? Have they stumbled over a pet, tripped on a throw rug, or slipped in the bathroom? Maybe YOU have experienced some of the above. If so, a countywide program assisting the elderly to be aware of how to prevent falls in their homes may be able to help. |
The Fall Prevention Program offers the elderly home safety assessments and the installation of free fall prevention devices. To qualify, individuals must be 65 years or older, reside in King County, live independently, have fallen at least once during the past year, and be low income. |