HOSP VISITS HARD WITH LOCKDOWN

Docs advise elderly to take steps to avoid falls

Sukshma.R@timesgroup.com

Madurai:19.04.2020

Amid lockdown when everyone is expected to be safe and sound within the confines of their homes, many elderly across the state are still ending up in emergency rooms due to domestic falls. With extra precautions taken at hospitals for Covid-19, they have a tougher time getting treated for the injuries.

Some of the major injuries elderly people sustain in domestic falls include fractures of the hip, spine and wrist bones and head injuries, say doctors. “Though the elderly more often than not stay at home, with less medical care now since they are unable to make routine hospital visits, they are prone to falls. Issues that stem from out of control diabetes and hypertension are common. Many also miss out on going for walks outdoors and miss the dose of sunlight. Vitamin D deficiency is linked to falls,” said Dr Sathish Devadoss, chief orthopaedic surgeon, Devadoss Multi-speciality hospital.

“Some grandparents try to play with grandchildren and engage in strenuous activity. They should not get carried away. They are prone to falls by slipping or stepping on even toys by accident. In boredom, some even adventurously try to clean their shelves or windows by climbing on chairs and such. All this should be avoided,” said Dr David V Rajan, managing director, Ortho-One Orthopaedic Speciality Centre. He added that even exercising at home by the elderly should be done only for recommended amounts. Overexertion can lead to great harm.

“I’m taking all precautions but you can never know. My children who live in Chennai cannot come to aid me or my husband even if something happens,” said 72-year-old Rajeshwari A, who resides in Madurai.

Cases of elderly suffering injuries from falls would be tough to manage due to lockdown and mobility restrictions. Patient would have to take X-rays or CT scans and get tested for Covid-19 before treatment, making it tedious,” said Dr Shanthi GS, HOD, department of geriatric medicine at Madras Medical College. However, there is little to fear if proper care and precautions are taken, she added.