Helping Seniors Prevent Falls
Welcome back to part II on the extra precautions that may be necessary reduce the risk of falling. The second five medications that may require extra precautions include:
5. Antihypertensive drugs—used to treat high blood pressure. These medications may cause dizziness, fatigue, decreased mental alertness, and sleepiness. If the medication contains a diuretic (water pill), it may increase the risk of falling by causing sedation, dehydration, or the need to use the bathroom quickly.
6. Cardiac medications—include digoxin, antiarrhythmics, and nitroglycerin. These medications can increase the risk of falling due to low blood pressure, dizziness, muscle weakness, confusion and fatigue.
7. Corticosteroids—used to control inflammation of the joints and organs. Medications include Prednisone, Dexamethasone, and Hydrocortisone. Side effects of these medications may include muscle weakness, high blood pressure, and mood swings.
8. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs—used for pain relief or analgesia. The medications may include Darvon, Darvocet, aspirin, Motrin, and Aleve. The side effects common to these medications include decreased alertness, dizziness, sedation, confusion, declines in hearing, and blurred vision.
9. Anticholinergic drugs—used to treat gastrointestinal cramps, urinary bladder spasms, and asthma, motion sickness, and muscle spasms. The side effects of these medications include dry mouth, blurred vision, worsening glaucoma and restlessness.
10. Hypoglycemic agents—any agent that decreases the level of glucose in the blood and are use in the treatment of diabetes mellitus. These medications may include Amaryl, Glucotrol, Diabinese and Orinase. Their side effects include blurred vision, confusion, anxiety, dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, tremors, and weakness.
What can the senior do to help prevent falls?
1. Have eyes checked every year for vision changes
2. Have hearing checked every two years, or with any changes
3. See physician for foot pain.
4. Let physician know if medication is causing dizziness or lose of balance.
5. If using assisted devices, make sure they are used correctly.
6. When getting up, sit on the side of the chair/bed for a few minutes, to reduce dizziness.
7. See physician immediately if feeling dizzy, weak, unsteady on feet, or confused.
Seniors may need help with their medications and remembering to take them. A Comfort Keeper can remind a client to take their medications by:
1. Opening the medication containers or med paks.
2. Reading to a client what a label says
3. Reminding the client if they have already taken their medications or if they need to take their medications.
Remember, we are Comfort Keepers and we are here to help! Comfort Keepers provides in-home care to seniors and the elderly living in Ocala, Gainesville, and The Villages Florida. We provide superior in-home care to seniors and the elderly throughout Central Florida so they can live enriched independent lifestyles! Call us today at 855-592-0013.
NOTE: The information presented in this article is provided for educational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other medical professional if you have any questions about any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment.
