Why You Should Tell Your Doctor About Your Falls

It happens to everyone: You’re running an errand, walking into the kitchen, or out for a leisurely stroll, when suddenly, you’re on the ground, your medical alert system at the ready. It happens so quickly that you might not even know its cause. 

Falls are a common accident among seniors, and they can be extremely dangerous. However, even if a fall doesn’t cause any immediate harm, it could be a sign of a greater health risk. Whenever an elderly person falls, the safest option is to tell your doctor, ideally as soon as possible.

But, while a fall might not cause any immediate injury, you should always have a contingency plan in case of an accident. Medical alert systems are the best way to prevent injury that results from a fall. Devices from Alert1 include add-on fall detection, making them a great option for seniors. This service can call for help without the user needing to press a button. You should always tell your doctor about a fall, but you should also have a medical alert system ready to detect your accident.

Falls can happen for a variety of reasons. In most cases, they’re a result of some hazard, like uneven steps or a lack of handrails. For older folks, the cause is typically lower body weakness, which develops as a person ages. However, falls may also be the result of balance difficulties, vision problems, foot pain, and vitamin D deficiencies. Any of these experiences is justification to visit a doctor. If you have a fall and choose to not visit your primary care doctor, you could let a bigger medical issue go unaddressed. In all cases, the safest option is to visit a physician – even if no immediate trauma results from the fall itself. 

We understand that falls may feel embarrassing. People who experience them may see the event as a manifestation of weakness, or perhaps a sign that physical independence is in jeopardy. We want you to know that these events are nothing to be embarrassed about. What’s important is that you receive the help you need. If you’re having trouble communicating your fall to your doctor, check out this resource from the Hospital for Special Surgery. 

One in four Americans over the age of 65 falls every year. Every 11 seconds, a senior is treated in the emergency room for a fall. These accidents are common, and nobody should be embarrassed when they happen. Preventing falls are a part of everyday life for older folks, and clearly communicating when they happen can help prevent further damage. 

While you never know when a fall will happen, you can make sure you’re prepared when it does. The medical alert systems from Alert1 can provide much-needed comfort and independence for older people living on their own or in senior communities. Fall detection is available with our devices, which means you won’t even need to call for help in the case of an accident. Rather, the medical alert system itself will detect your fall and alert emergency personnel without you needing to press the button. Plus, our prices are well below Life Alert costs, saving you money while providing an excellent service. You should always tell your doctor about falls, but you should always prepare for accidents with a medical alert system.