Falls to forgotten meds: 8 preventable reasons older Americans end up in the ER
QMedic reports on eight preventable reasons older Americans end up in the ER, including falls, medication errors, and
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Falls to forgotten meds: 8 preventable reasons older Americans end up in the ER
When you’re young, it’s easy to feel invincible. As you age, however, the things once taken for granted in youth become the reasons you end up in the hospital. This can look like a misstep that would be no big deal in your 20s, a case of the flu that would have been barely noticeable in your 30s, or a prescribed pill that’s an easy part of your everyday routine in your 40s.
QMedic leveraged data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Wiley Online Library, and the National Library of Medicine to outline the eight most preventable reasons older Americans end up in the emergency room. This data will help you recognize the warning signs before a regular day turns into a scary trip to the hospital.
Taking a fall
Falls are the number one biggest driver of emergency room visits among older people. In fact, more than 25% of adults over the age of 65 fall each year, according to the CDC, amounting to roughly 3 million emergency department visits. Yet, less than half of these people tell their doctor if they fall. Those older adults who don’t tell a medical provider about the incident may believe it’s not serious, but falling once more than doubles the chances of falling again.
Watch for unsteady walking or recent near-misses. Sudden dizziness when you stand is another red flag. Adding grab bars into a senior’s home or implementing better lighting are low-cost ways to help.
Medication interactions and errors
Bad drug interactions and side effects lead to nearly 100,000 emergency hospitalizations in older adults each year, according to a CDC study published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Common reasons for adverse drug events are missed doses, duplicate prescriptions, or a dangerous combination of medicines.
Confusion, dizziness, nausea, and unexplained bruising are all indicators. Try to keep a single list of all medications an older adult is taking. Also have that list regularly reviewed by a licensed pharmacist or doctor, and have them review again when new medication is added.
Uncontrolled chronic conditions (Heart and lung disease exacerbations)
Congestive heart failure, diabetes and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) issues are among some of the most common preventable hospitalizations, based on federal data tracked by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. Gaps in routine monitoring allow these to spiral out of control as someone ages. Shortness of breath, swelling in the legs or stomach area, and unusual fatigue should be monitored closely. Daily symptom tracking and medication adherence can go a long way in preventing worsening of these conditions.
Undetected urinary tract infections progressing to sepsis
Urinary tract infections are more common the older you get. However, the symptoms look different as you age, so much so that some adults don’t treat the issue with urgency because they don’t know what’s happening. An untreated UTI can turn to sepsis, which is a life-threatening emergency.
Many people are familiar with the fact that a highly uncomfortable burning sensation when peeing is the hallmark sign of a UTI. In older adults, this symptom doesn’t always appear. Sometimes the only indicator of the infection is confusion or sudden behavior changes. Always ensure older adults are tested for UTIs and get antibiotics right away if one is detected.
Dehydration
Dehydration is a leading cause of hospitalization in older adults, according to a study in the Journal of Nutrition, Health and Aging. The thirst signal actually weakens with age, leading many to simply forget to drink enough water over an extended period of time. Any level of confusion, dark urine, dizziness, or persistent dry mouth should be taken seriously. Schedule fluid intake for older adults and closely monitor them during the warmer months.
Missed flu and pneumonia vaccinations
Older adults make up the highest number of flu and pneumonia-related hospitalizations every year, according to CDC data tracking flu activity. Vaccination gaps could be partly to blame. If an adult over 65 in your life hasn’t gotten their flu or pneumonia shot, encourage them to get the vaccine. Taking care of these annually or tracking vaccinations with a caregiver is the best way to avoid a trip to the ER.
Missed or mismanaged diabetes care
Type 2 diabetes is extremely common in older adults and comes with serious complications that can lead to hospitalization. Dangerous blood sugar swings when the condition is not managed is the most notable. Confusion, excessive thirst, sudden shakiness, or fatigue that doesn’t go away on its own are potential warning signs. Older adults might need more regular blood sugar monitoring or a strict adherence to a medication routine to avoid complications.
Untreated depression and social isolation
Finally, depression and social isolation are often taboo topics among older adults. Many studies draw the direct line between these conditions and hospitalizations, and isolated older adults often miss the first signs of physical decline or delay seeking care altogether. This can exacerbate other issues. Key warning signs include withdrawal from usual activities, skipped meals, or noticeable changes in mood or communication.
Staying healthy at an older age
No one can escape getting older, but with the right tools, you can avoid excessive hospitalizations. None of the eight issues outlined here are an inevitability, and each comes with warning signs that show up well in advance of a 911 call. For families that are supporting aging parents from a distance or older adults trying to stay healthy themselves, keeping a vigilant eye out for the symptoms that something may be amiss becomes all the more important to catch problems before they devolve into costly hospital visits.
This story was produced by QMedic and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
