February 2000
Professional's
Forum
Interview with Tiffany Davis,
Director of Social Services at Southern Hills Medical Center
Interview by Tim Lankford |
|
What do you see as the most dangerous area in the
house for seniors and why?
Bathrooms: 2-inch low toilets, stepping over sides of bathtubs onto slick surfaces.
What health promotion measures can be taken to reduce
the risks of falls among seniors?
I would recommend grab bars in the bathrooms, good lighting, supervision by family and
friends, utilizing home health therapy and/or home exercise programs to work on the issues
that are creating problems.
Do you feel that it is important for seniors to take
preventative steps in making their home a safer place?
Certainly. Especially seniors since they are usually living alone and may be down for a
while before they get help.
At what age to you think these steps should be taken?
The younger the better! You can fall at any age, so taking preventative measures early
wouldn't hurt.
What steps do you recommend to reduce the risk of
falls among the senior population in their own homes and yards?
Keep clutter out of pathways; keep non-slip pads under rugs, non-slip mats in the
tub/bathroom, and handrails for all stairs (indoors & outdoors).
How many seniors are the victims of falls each year
in the United States?
Around 40% of the senior population.
What type of injuries result from falls?
Hip fx, wrist/arm fx, and head injuries are some of the most common I see in the hospital.
The majority of the time these injuries require surgery and rehab in another facility
afterwards. |
