Galileu Hospital warns: preventing falls in the elderly avoids serious trauma
Simple care can save lives and ensure more independence in old age
Falls in the elderly go far beyond household accidents: they represent serious risks to bone health, often resulting in fractures that compromise autonomy and even survival. For orthopedic surgeon Marcus Preti, from the Galileu State Public Hospital (HPEG) in Greater Belém, understanding risk factors and adopting preventive measures is essential to preserve quality of life and longevity.
According to the specialist, the elderly become more vulnerable due to common clinical conditions at this stage, such as labyrinthitis, dizziness, Alzheimer’s disease, and sarcopenia — the loss of muscle mass. "When health has not been well planned throughout life, the elderly tend to have more imbalance. If bone mass is fragile, with osteopenia or osteoporosis, the consequences of a fall can be devastating, especially in femur fractures, which in some cases are fatal," explains Preti.
Monitoring and prevention - At home, small changes make all the difference. The doctor reinforces the recommendations of the Brazilian Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology, which created the Safe Home for the Elderly protocol, with practical measures to reduce risks.
"It is important to remove loose rugs, avoid small tables in the middle of the way, keep soft lights on at night, wear sturdy footwear, and install grab bars in bathrooms. The fewer steps there are, the greater the safety," he advises.
In addition to home adaptations, regular medical follow-up is essential. Preti emphasizes the importance of regular consultations with geriatricians, general practitioners, and specific specialists, such as gynecologists and urologists, in addition to orthopedic evaluation.
"Studying bone mass and treating diseases such as osteoarthritis or sarcopenia is fundamental. In addition to that, good nutrition, adequate supplementation, and physical exercises for muscle gain form the tripod of prevention," he states.
The warning also applies when a fall has already occurred, even if it seems minor. According to the orthopedic surgeon, dizziness or imbalance can be signs of serious diseases, such as stroke, aneurysm, or advanced osteoporosis. "One should never underestimate a fall. It is necessary to investigate the cause and treat it comprehensively," he warns.
At Galileu Hospital, a reference in orthopedics, care for the elderly with trauma goes beyond surgery. The institution has a specific protocol for proximal femur fractures, which involves multidisciplinary care and continuous follow-up, from the postoperative period to rehabilitation.
"The work begins right after the surgical procedure, with early physiotherapy, care instructions, and encouragement for the elderly to gradually resume their activities. The sooner recovery begins, the fewer complications there are," emphasizes Preti.
The unit's team, under the management of the Amazon Social and Environmental Health Institute (ISSAA) in partnership with the State Department of Public Health (Sespa), also guides family members on the importance of continuing treatment, whether in outpatient physiotherapy, water aerobics, Pilates, or therapeutic gym.
"The hospital is concerned not only with treating the fracture but also with ensuring that the elderly continue their rehabilitation process at home or in other services, preserving their autonomy and reducing the risks of new falls," adds the specialist.
For Preti, the future of the elderly should be viewed with hope and shared responsibility. "They need to remain active, within their possibilities, always accompanied by family and professionals. The use of crutches, wheelchairs, or shower chairs should be guided by physiotherapists to ensure safety. With proper follow-up, it is possible to maintain autonomy and dignity without becoming completely dependent," he concludes.
Structure - The Galileu State Public Hospital (HPEG) has 104 inpatient beds and is a reference in high-complexity orthopedic surgeries, including reconstruction and bone lengthening. The unit also performs trachea and urological procedures.
Text: Roberta Paraense
