Preventing
Falls
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Preventing
Falls
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Ideas That Work "Real" Intersection of Systems |
"Real" Intersection of Systems Margaret is a sweet 83-year-old woman who had the classic stooped posture that is so common in senior women. She lives by herself in a two-story home. While she manages to get around okay, her gait is rather unstable and she has found herself grabbing a wall to stabilize herself every now and then. Her congregational nurse, and a nursing student from the local university, conducted an initial assessment and found that Margaret was not taking her prescribed dose of calcium, as it made her constipated. She has a history of high blood pressure, which seemed to be under control as she was taking a beta-blocker for the last year. According to Margaret, the beta-blocker made her sleepy initially, but after about three months she felt like she had more energy. Like most seniors, falling this was one of Margaret’s greatest fears. She had seen too many of her friends end up in the nursing home with hip replacements. Through the assessment, the congregational nurse felt that Margaret was at significant risk for falling. Together, the three created a plan to help Margaret feel stronger and lessen her risk for falls. The congregational nurse explained that with some changes in her diet, Margaret might be able to take her calcium – and explained that this was vital to slowing the progression of her osteoporosis. The student nurse agreed to create an eating plan that would include more fiber and fluids. The congregational nurse also explained that the local YMCA offered yoga classes for seniors that would strengthen Margaret’s muscles, improve her balance and generally make her feel more energized. In addition, Margaret’s clinic agreed to a physical therapy referral so she could be fitted for a four-pronged cane that she could use to stabilize her gait in bad weather. The congregational nurse also accompanied Margaret to the ophthalmologist to have Margaret’s eyes examined. He explained to Margaret that she needed surgery to correct her cataracts. She was assured that the recovery would be minimal and that she would be seeing much better a day or two after the surgery. Home care was arranged to come in for two days after the surgery. Margaret is now able to stay in her home and feels like she is able to be more in control of her environment. |