Banner Health has raised concerns over the increasing number of senior adults facing injuries from recurrent falls, underscoring the need for greater awareness and precautionary measures. May, designated as Trauma Awareness Month, highlights the significance of this issue.
“At Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix, we often see older adult patients who have fallen either at home or in public spaces,” said Melissa Luxton, the trauma outreach coordinator for the hospital. She attributes these falls to factors like mobility challenges, medication effects, health issues, and environmental hazards. Seniors with osteoporosis are notably more prone to injuries when they fall.
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals that falls are the principal cause of injury for those aged 65 and above, with 1 in 4 older adults reporting a fall yearly.
“We do see a high frequency of serious injuries related to falling in our senior patient population,” said Dr. Nimit Agarwal, director of geriatric medicine at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix. He noted, “Recurring falls are a common issue, particularly for seniors who have experienced falls previously.” These falls can lead to severe injuries such as rib and hip fractures, dislocations, head and spine injuries, and at times, traumatic brain injuries.
While Luxton highlights that seniors often fall during routine activities like walking or climbing stairs, she stresses the importance of year-round fall prevention measures. Falls aren’t solely due to environmental reasons. “Addressing health concerns through regular medical checkups and ensuring that seniors have the appropriate treatments, medications and vision or cognitive care can help prevent falls and improve overall safety,” Luxton advised.
Luxton suggests several measures for safeguarding seniors from falls. “We recommend that seniors live in environments that are fall-proof, such as removing tripping hazards, installing grab bars and ensuring good lighting,” she noted. She also emphasized the importance of physical therapy and regular check-ins, whether in-person or via technology, for those living independently or far from family.
The trauma service at Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix collaborates with the geriatrics team to identify and support frail older adults, addressing issues like delirium, medication polypharmacy, and mobility challenges. Comprehensive geriatric assessments and support in pain management, medication reviews, and advance care planning are part of their approach to ensuring patient safety.
“A big focus of the geriatrics team is to identify ways to prevent future falls, guiding patients to improve bone health, and follow-up with programs which can help improve gait, balance and strength,” Dr. Agarwal stated.
Banner – University Medical Center Phoenix is part of Banner Health, a nonprofit system with 33 hospitals in six states. As a major teaching hospital affiliated with The University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, it provides comprehensive care ranging from heart and cancer care to neurosciences and emergency services.
