Journal of Aging Science

Falls Statistics, Common Causes of Falls and Coordination of Care

Webinar on Global Summit on Geriatrics & Aging

December 02, 2021 | Webinar

Ecler Jaqua

Loma Linda University Health, USA

Scientific Tracks Abstracts: J Aging Sci

Abstract:

Fall Statistics Each year, millions of older adults fall. More than 1 out of 4 older adults fall each year. Falling once doubles your chances of falling again. Leading cause of injury death in older adults. Each year, 3 million older people are treated in ED for fall injuries. Over 800,000/year are hospitalized because of a fall injury. Each year at least 300,000 older people are hospitalized for hip fractures. Causes of Falls Accident/Environment 31%; Gait/Balance disorder 17%; Dizziness/Vertigo 13%; Drop attack 10%; Confusion 4%; Postural hypotension 3%; Visual problem 3%; Other unspecified 15%; Unknown 5%. Coordination of care STEP 1 – Decide who among the primary care team will follow-up with the patient. The primary care team, patient, and family should work together to set priorities and identify feasible changes. Follow up and care coordination are essential to assist patients in adopting fall prevention strategies. The entire primary care team needs to be engaged to help patients succeed in fall risk reduction. STEP 2 – Determine feasible options for follow-up with patients and families. Build alerts on EHR for follow up on the fall care plan. Pharmacist must follow-up to reduce medications that increase fall risk. Designate a “champion” who can provide follow-up, or who can lead the follow-up efforts. STEP 3 – Identify challenges and strategize regularly with your team to overcome them. Discuss which interventions patients are willing or able to adopt. Meet with the primary care team regularly. If your practice: Brings the right fall prevention team together; Develops a clinic workflow; Utilizes the EHR; Trains all primary care team members; Communicates well with older adults about fall prevention. Builds a structure for follow-up and care coordination; You will impact quality of life, reduce falls, and enhance the independence of your older patients

Biography :

Being in love with medicine her whole life, Ecler began at only age 17 her medical school at The Lutheran University of Brazil. Fascinated with the comprehensive care of all ages, and the continuing care of the individual and family, she naturally embraced and pursued her focus in Family Medicine. After completing a Family Medicine Residency at Loma Linda University Health, as well as being chief resident during her last year of training, she decided to specialize in Geriatric Medicine at UCLA. Soon after completing her fellowship in LA, she returned to Loma Linda to pursue her passion for teaching residents, caring for her family and geriatric patients. Additionally, she had the opportunity to complete the Lifestyle Medicine Board and the Obesity Medicine Board certification while working as an Assistant Professor at Loma Linda University Family Medicine Residency.