The Silent Risk: Addressing Fall Prevention in Seniors 80 and Older

When you think about visiting the doctor at 85, what comes to mind? Chronic back pain? High blood pressure? Maybe unexplained weight loss? While these issues often dominate discussions, the reality for geriatric care is much more nuanced.

A Typical Visit with a Geriatrician

An 85-year-old woman came in with a list of concerns: back pain, arthritis, high blood pressure, glaucoma, and a potentially cancerous lung nodule. You might assume the doctor would prioritize her lung nodule or back pain. But instead, the geriatrician spent much of the visit examining her ... feet!

Why feet? What do they reveal?

The answer lies in - fall risk! Falls are among the greatest threats to older adults, especially those over 80.

The Impact of Falls:

• Over 350,000 Americans suffer hip fractures from falls annually.
• 40% end up in nursing homes.
• 20% never walk again.

For seniors, a fall is more than a physical injury—it’s a life-altering event that can strip them of independence.

In this case, the woman’s feet told a story: thick calluses, sores, and unkempt nails indicated limited self-care and balance issues. Combined with her gait and medications causing dizziness, her fall risk was alarmingly high.

Fall Risk Factors

• Poor balance.
• Taking 4+ prescription medications.
• Muscle weakness.

Without these risk factors, seniors face just a **12% annual fall risk. With all three, the likelihood rises to nearly 100%.

The Solution? Proactive Assessment and Prevention...

At Senior Helpers our LIFE Profile assessment tool is designed to identify fall risks early, enabling tailored interventions to keep seniors safe and independent.

The Geriatrician’s Recommendations:

1️⃣ Foot Care: Referral to a podiatrist to treat sores and calluses.
2️⃣ Medication Adjustment: Switching to a diuretic with fewer dizziness side effects.
3️⃣ Dietary Changes: Increasing nutrient-dense snacks and eliminating low-calorie foods.
4️⃣ Social Engagement: Encouraging shared meals with family or friends for better nutrition and enjoyment.

The Result?

One year later, the patient:

✔️ Gained weight.
✔️ Improved her nutrition.
✔️ And most importantly—avoided any falls.

Falls are not accidents—they’re predictable and preventable with the right approach. If your loved one is aging, contact Senior Helpers to schedule a LIFE Profile assessment analysis and take the first step in protecting their independence.