Measures to Reduce Fall Risk
Obviously she should be advised to forego any
more skydiving activities. The focus should
be on eliminating every day environmental
hazards which is one relatively easy way to
reduce the risk of falls and is applicable
to any patient with osteoporosis and to all
geriatric patients in general. The American
Association of Clinical Endocrinologists recommends
the following steps:15
- Minimize risk of falls with gait and balance
training
- Adjust dosage of drugs with sedative effects,
which could slow reflexes, decrease coordination,
and impair the patient's ability to break
the impact of a fall
- Anchor rugs
- Minimize clutter
- Remove loose wires
- Use nonskid mats
- Install handrails in bathrooms, halls,
and along stairways
- Light hallways, stairwells, and entrances
- Encourage patient to wear sturdy, low-heeled
shoes
- Hip protectors (in patients predisposed
to falling)
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