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Studies have shown that people are more likely to return to independent living after a fall if help comes quickly. Walgreens Ready Response™ Medical Alert system provides immediate access to emergency assistance around the clock to help in the event of a fall.
- More than one-third of adults 65 and older fall each year. The risk of falling and fall-related problems rises with age. (CDC 2005)
- Because seniors spend most of their time at home, one-half to two-thirds of all falls occur in or around the home (Nevitt 1989; Wilkins 1999).
- Each year, more than 1.6 million older U.S. adults need emergency care for fall-related injuries.
- Among people 75 and older, those who fall are four to five times more likely to be admitted to a long-term care facility for a year or longer. (Donald 1999)
- In 2000, direct medical costs totaled $179 million dollars for fatal and $19.3 billion dollars for nonfatal fall injuries. (Stevens 2005, in press)
- Among both sexes, hip fracture rates increase exponentially with age (Samelson 2002). People 85 and older are 10 to15 times more likely to sustain hip fractures than are people 60 to 65. (Scott 1990)
Commom risk factors
Researchers have identified a number of risk factors in relation to falls:
- Problems with walking and balance. (Graafmans 1996; AGS 2001)
- Taking four or more medications or any medications that reduce alertness. (Tinetti 1989; Ray 1990; Lord 1993; Cumming 1998)
- Cognitive impairment
- Visual impairments
- Parkinson’s Disease
- History of stroke
- Arthritis
- Epilepsy
- Multiple Sclerosis
- ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease)
How seniors can modify these risk factors:
- Remove tripping hazards such as throw rugs and clutter from walkways.
- Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.
- Install grab bars next to the toilet and in the tub or shower.
- Have handrails on both sides of stairways.
- Improve lighting throughout the home.
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Walgreens Ready Response™ Medical Alert System is supported by American Medical Alert Corp., a national provider and manufacturer of emergency response systems and services. Since 1981 AMAC has provided nationwide response center services to America’s senior and disabled population.
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