Key takeaways
A new national survey from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center finds many U.S. adults are unaware of several common risks for falls.
The survey found that 63% do not recognize fear or anxiety about falling as a risk, while 60% overlook hearing loss and 74% overlook an urgent need to use the bathroom.
The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center Fall Prevention Clinic creates a personal care plan to address each patient's risks and help prevent serious falls.
COLUMBUS, Ohio – A fear of falling may cause people to avoid stairs, exercise and other daily activities. But that fear can also increase the risk of a fall.
A new national survey of 1,007 U.S. adults from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that 63% do not recognize anxiety about falling as a risk. The survey also found that 60% do not recognize hearing loss as a risk and 74% do not recognize that an urgent need to use the bathroom can increase the chance of falling.
"When you're not confident, you may avoid activities because you're afraid you're going to fall," said Michelle Easley, a board-certified nurse practitioner at Ohio State Wexner Medical Center's Fall Prevention Clinic. "That fear of falling is actually one of the biggest risks of falling."
Changes in hearing can affect balance. An urgent need to use the bathroom can also cause people to move too quickly or leave behind a cane, walker or other device they use for support.
A personal approach to preventing falls
Ohio State's Fall Prevention Clinic helps patients identify their risks, rebuild strength and regain confidence. Specialists also look for reasons they may be falling.
The care team reviews previous falls, medications and the way each patient walks. Patients may receive physical therapy to improve strength and balance. They also may be connected with eye and ear doctors, neurologists or other specialists if additional help is needed.
"The number one risk for a fall is a previous fall," Easley said. "If more people knew about this, we could intervene earlier, get people help and prevent more serious falls."
The clinic can help patients improve balance, adjust daily habits, use assistive devices such as canes or walkers and address health concerns that raise their risk.
"We individualize it for each patient based on what their risks are and why they are falling," Easley said.
From repeated falls to renewed confidence
Ben Melancon, a former athlete now in his 70s, knows how quickly the fear of falling can affect daily life. After falling more than a dozen times, he became afraid to use stairs.
"I was scared to death of those stairs," Melancon said. "I was afraid of what was going to happen."
His final fall caused an injury that required nine stitches near his left eye.
"That was pretty much the icing on the cake," Melancon said. "It was a very difficult time for me and my family."
Melancon visited Ohio State's Fall Prevention Clinic several times a week for four months. He worked closely with physical therapist Katherine Marita to improve his strength and balance. He also began doing exercises each morning at home and wearing athletic shoes that provided better support.
"One of the happiest days of my life was when Katherine came up to me and said, 'You're ready,'" Melancon said.
He has not fallen since completing the program earlier this year.
"I'm not fearful anymore of steps," Melancon said. "I can go up and down any steps you want. They took that fear away from me."
Simple changes can reduce risk
Easley recommends checking homes for poor lighting, loose rugs and stairs that may be difficult to use. Bathrooms should also be easy to enter and leave safely, without hazards that could cause a fall.
"Rugs are a huge issue, and they need to be removed or secured," Easley said. "It's all about safety, not taking away independence."
People should also review their medications with their health care provider or pharmacist, since some can cause dizziness or balance problems.
Activities such as tai chi, chair yoga and strength training may help improve balance and reduce the risk of falling.
Melancon encourages others who are afraid of falling to seek help and stay committed to recovery.
"You can do this," he said. "If you make a commitment and have dedication, you're going to do it."
Survey Methodology
