Technology Can Help with Fall Prevention

Falls are a serious threat to the health and quality of life for California’s 5 million older adults age 60 and older. Twenty to 30% of those who fall suffer moderate to severe injuries such as hip fractures. Hospitalized fall injuries have a serious impact on an older person’s quality of life and independence. But falls can be prevented if at-risk populations are identified.

There are a number of areas where technology advances can help in preventing falls: medication management, balance, nutrition and environment.

Medication management

As we age, it seems we are given more and more prescription medications to manage chronic conditions plus over-the-counter supplements like vitamins and minerals. In order to ensure that we take what we need when we need it, electronic pillboxes are especially suited to a complicated regimen. Some of the most sophisticated versions communicate via the Internet and web and can call us or our loved ones as gentle reminders to take our meds. We can even use pharmacies that arrange our pills in blister packs that exactly fit the electronic pillbox. No more sorting!

Balance

Did you know that the Wii Fit Plus balance board is just as good as lab-grade force platforms in rehab centers that cost upwards of $18000? A recent study in Australia compared the two and found the Wii contraption equally good for stroke rehabilitation (and it's fun, too.)

Exercise is another way to help with balance. Free yoga classes are downloadable through iTunes. Many downloadable applications for our computers or smart phones help us track our daily/weekly exercise.

Nutrition

The Standard American Diet (SAD) is to blame for many chronic diseases and falls. Increasing fruit and vegetable content in our diets (and avoiding the white foods like sugar and flour) is a very good thing to do. You can visit a variety of websites that have terrific information. My favorites are Dr. Furhman and Real Age. Don't forget to subscribe to their newsletters! Plus there are tons of applications for smart phones to track food intake. And, don't forget about meal delivery services for folks who don't like to cook or can't get to the store.

You can also get nutrition advice through support organizations for heart, cancer, diabetes and other chronic diseases.

Environment

There are a variety of simple technology fixes for in-home environment issues. One of the most basic is lighting. We can replace light bulbs with brighter ones which might be more energy-efficient, too. We can work with home automation companies to install simple or complex solutions that turn on lights when we get out of bed or turn off lights when we close the bathroom door.

Aldea Communications is currently evaluating a number of technology solutions that will help folks stay at home, be independent and be safe. To find out more about our in-home evaluations, call us at 1-760-510-8407 or send email to susan@aldea.com.

This 10 minute video from San Diego County gives a good overview of the causes of falling and fall prevention.
http://sandiego.networkofcare.org/aging/library/falls/shortfall.cfm