The city of São Paulo recorded a 35% increase in the number of reports of accidental falls among people over 60 years of age in the last year. The information is from the Municipal Health Department (SMS). In 2022, the Information System for Accident Surveillance (Siva), from the Health Surveillance Coordination (Covisa), received 13,075 reports of falls in this population, while in 2021, there were 9,671. The number of hospitalizations resulting from falls grew at almost the same rate. In 2021, there were 3,055 hospitalizations, a number that increased to 3,903 the following year, an increase of 27.75%, according to records of the Hospital Information System (SIH). On the other hand, preventive actions carried out by municipal management increased by 174% last year compared to 2021. in 2021 there were 37,959. These data include the six Regional Health Coordinations (CRSs), which cover all health units in the capital. In the last four years, from 2019 to 2022, more than 160,000 people, mostly elderly people, received guidance on how to prevent and what to do in case of falls. The goal is to reduce one of the main types of accidents that affect the elderly. The secretariat reported that it carries out preventive actions in all basic health units (UBSs), as well as those assisted by the Elderly Companion Program (PAI) and in the 13 Reference Units for the Health of the Elderly (Ursis). The multidimensional assessment of the elderly (AMPI), of Primary Care, aims to prevent the risk of falling with various activities and guidelines that occur routinely. In addition, clinical monitoring of osteoporosis, visual acuity, diseases of the locomotor system, changes in nutritional status, sarcopenia (reduced strength and muscle mass) and monitoring of falls events is recommended. Patients who suffer this type of accident must be followed up by a multidisciplinary team, which assesses the factors that led to the episode and refers them to the most appropriate treatment. The city of São Paulo has 1.9 million people over 60 years of age, that is, 15% of the population. It is estimated that, in 2050, the elderly will represent 30% of São Paulo residents, according to the State Data Analysis System Foundation (Seade). Fall factors Elderly falls have different causes, such as a previous history; polypharmacy, mainly the use of psychoactive drugs, vasodilators and diuretics; chronic health conditions with clinical decompensation; gait and balance disorders; sedentary lifestyle and worsening of functional capacity; visual impairment or cognitive decline. It may also be related to environmental factors such as lighting; slippery surfaces; carpets, unevenness and obstacles on the way, as well as inadequate clothing or footwear. In case of a fall, the SMS recommends looking for an Emergency Care Unit (UPA), an emergency room (PS) or even requesting the Mobile Emergency Care Service (Samu) by calling 192. Ursi The Elderly Health Reference Unit It is a specialized unit to serve the elderly in its coverage area. The objective of the Ursi’s is to guarantee the promotion and integral attention to the health of the most fragile elderly in the secondary level of assistance of the Unified Health System (SUS), so that the elderly remain in the community for as long as possible and with the highest attainable functional capacity . PAI The Elderly Companion Program assists people over 60 years of age in situations of fragility and high social vulnerability, providing the services of various professionals and companions of the elderly, including at home. These teams provide support in daily activities, with the aim of promoting comprehensive health care for the elderly population. Each team has a social worker, a nurse, a doctor, caregivers for the elderly, a driver and an administrative professional. To participate in the program or access any other service aimed at the elderly, just look for a reference UBS in the neighborhood. Addresses can be accessed by clicking here.
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