One in four people over the age of 65 falls each year, yet only half of them tell a doctor, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are ways to prevent these falls though, according to Stephanie Fallcreek, CEO of Fairhill Partners.
Fallcreek said it’s important for patients to disclose their full list of medications to doctors, caregivers and pharmacists, as medications play a major role in balance.
"People are seeing multiple doctors across multiple health systems and so that magic electronic health record doesn't necessarily communicate across those boundaries."
Fallcreek provided three easy tips to help prevent these falls:
- Ensure throw rugs don’t become tripping hazards
- Remove as many long phone cords as possible
- Install handrails in bathrooms and by staircases
Small improvements can make a drastic difference and prevent falls for those most vulnerable.
