From the Research
The management and prevention of falls in elderly individuals who have experienced a fall and long lie requires a comprehensive approach focusing on immediate care, risk assessment, and preventive strategies, as outlined in the most recent study by 1 published in 2024. After a fall with a long lie, the elderly person should receive prompt medical evaluation to assess for injuries, dehydration, rhabdomyolysis, and pressure injuries. Some key points to consider in the management and prevention of falls include:
- A multifactorial risk assessment should be conducted to identify specific fall risk factors including medication review, vision assessment, home safety evaluation, and screening for cognitive impairment and orthostatic hypotension.
- Prevention strategies should include a tailored exercise program focusing on strength, balance, and gait training, home modifications, and assistive devices if needed.
- Personal emergency response systems are essential for those with previous long lies, allowing immediate alert if another fall occurs.
- Vitamin D supplementation with calcium is recommended for those with deficiency or at risk of osteoporosis.
- Addressing fear of falling through cognitive behavioral therapy can prevent activity restriction that leads to deconditioning.
- Regular medication reviews every 3-6 months can minimize side effects contributing to falls. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has developed an easy-to-use tool to screen for and reduce fall risk, known as STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries), as mentioned in the study by 1. This multifaceted approach is necessary because falls typically result from multiple interacting risk factors, and addressing only one factor is unlikely to significantly reduce fall risk in someone with a history of falls with long lies, as supported by the study by 1.