Senior Citizens Being Urged to Choose and Use
Walkers and Canes Carefully
Proper fit and use may prevent some of the 47,000
annual ER visits by elderly who fall
July
14, 2009 Most senior citizens probably will need the use of a walking
cane or walker sooner or later. For most, it may just be temporary and
we are likely to think it is simple, just to grab a walking aid and be
on our way. Many seniors and their caregivers are having second
thoughts, however, after a report last month that 47,000 senior citizens
end up in emergency rooms each year after falling while using a cane or
walker.
One-point decrease on social activity scale was
equivalent to being approximately five years older at the start of the
study - risk of death, disability jump
Many organizations are jumping in to offer advice
on how to choose and use a walker, cane or crutch.
On of those, the American Physical Therapy
Association (APTA), is urging the elderly using walking aids to be
properly assessed and fitted by a physical therapist.
The study by the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, which examined six years of emergency department medical
records, found that, for older adults that had falls related to walkers-
or canes, most of the injuries involved walkers (87 percent). (See link
to study in sidebar.)
People were seven times more likely to be injured
in a fall with a walker as with a cane. Older women sustained more than
three out of four walker-related injuries (78 percent) and two out of
three cane-related injuries (66 percent).
The study points out that the problems with
dangerous falls increases with age. Those age 85 and older have the most
problems.
Walking aids are very important in helping many
older adults maintain their mobility. However, it′s important to make
sure people use these devices safely, said Judy Stevens, Ph.D., the
study′s lead author. Walkers are often used by frail and vulnerable
older adults; people for whom falls, if they occur, can have very
serious health consequences.
According to physical therapist and APTA member
Cathy Ciolek, PT, DPT, GCS, many patients often borrow walking aids from
friends and family, which can result in injuries. "We see many patients
use borrowed canes, walkers, and crutches without adjusting the fit and
height appropriately, which can cause discomfort and result in further
injury," she said.
In addition to providing a proper fit, your
physical therapist can assess your individual needs to ensure you are
using the proper walking aid and that it is in proper working condition,
according to Ciolek.
"In some instances a cane may not be the safest
option, and it would be best to use a walker. Your physical therapist
can help make that decision," says Ciolek.
She provides some general tips for those using a
cane or walker as a walking aid:
● The walker or cane should be about the height
of your wrists when your arms are at your sides.
● When using a walker, your arms should be
slightly bent when holding on, but you shouldn't have to bend forward at
the waist to reach it.
● Periodically check the rubber tips at the
bottom of the cane or walker. Be sure to replace them if they are uneven
or worn through.
As experts in restoring motion and mobility in
people's lives, physical therapists work collaboratively with physicians
to ensure safe recoveries from illness or injury, Ciolek says. She
recommends seeing a physical therapist for an assessment and proper fit
or asking for a referral to a physical therapist from your physician.
Links to helpful information
●
Click here to find a physical therapist near you.
Physical therapists are highly-educated, licensed
health care professionals who can help patients reduce pain and improve
or restore mobility -- in many cases without expensive surgery or the
side effects of prescription medications. APTA represents more than
72,000 physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and students
of physical therapy nationwide. Its purpose is to improve the health and
quality of life of individuals through the advancement of physical
therapist practice, education, and research. In most states, patients
can make an appointment directly with a physical therapist, without a
physician referral. Learn more about conditions physical therapists can
treat and find a physical therapist in your area at
http://www.moveforwardpt.com/. The APT web site
http://www.apta.org
Keep up with the latest news for senior citizens, baby
boomers
July
14, 2009 Most senior citizens probably will need the use of a walking
cane or walker sooner or later. For most, it may just be temporary and
we are likely to think it is simple, just to grab a walking aid and be
on our way. Many seniors and their caregivers are having second
thoughts, however, after a report last month that 47,000 senior citizens
end up in emergency rooms each year after falling while using a cane or
walker.
