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Goodnight Alice

By Keep Fit and Moving Team | In Fall Prevention, Senior Exercise, Senior Fitness | on June 5, 2014

I am saddened to learn of the death of one of America’s most beloved actresses—Ann B. Davis who played Alice on “The Brady Bunch”. Her death, which was unavoidable from a fall is one of the leading causes of death to seniors over 65 years of age.

According to Wikipedia – “Davis died on June 1, 2014, at a hospital in San Antonio, Texas. Earlier in the day, she had sustained a subdural hematoma from a fall in her bathroom in the San Antonio residence, in which she lived with Bishop Frey and Frey’s wife, Barbara. Sources close to her say she was in excellent health for an 88-year-old woman, and her death was a complete shock.”

There are high risk factors and prevention measures to consider for our seniors to prevent falls. Some of the risk factors of falling are:

  • leg muscle weakness
  • balance and posture affecting walking
  • blood pressure which drops when arising from lying down or sitting
  • feet problems and unsafe footwear
  • vision problems
  • the more medications you take the more likely you are to fall

Discussions of these risk factors with a friend or family member are so important to prevent falls. Senior proofing the home to avoid a devastating fall is easy, inexpensive and necessary for our loved ones. I believe medical alert necklaces are also important after a fall if unable to get to a phone.

HOW TO PREVENT FALLS

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Like our Founder Bill Case, our passion with this website is to educate with preventative steps to eliminate those unnecessary falls and injuries in the older population. Along with specific exercises to help prevent falls, we are here to provide additional information about environmental risk factors as part of the overall fall prevention approach.

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34 Comments to "Goodnight Alice"

  • oraclemay says:

    June 8, 2014 at 11:52 pm -

    This is really shocking and very sad. We should be checking on our elders all the time to make sure they ask us if they need anything done. They often need a shelf to be fixed or a little painting to be done. We should make sure we are available to do this for them.

    1. theshaynee says:

      June 26, 2014 at 10:48 pm -

      It’s even more shocking because, from what I’ve read about her, she was very active. Even later in life, she never stopped moving or working. She was doing theater up until her death. This really was an unfortunate accident. It could have happened to anyone. I’m just glad she lived such a full life.

    2. misskrystal1982 says:

      October 27, 2015 at 6:24 pm -

      Yes, we must keep an eye on our older family members. Sometimes we can save them from something terrible, and sometimes we can’t. But it is always better to try to be there for them. All too often, the older generation is just ignored and we should be talking to them and listening to their stories and wisdom.

  • kate86 says:

    June 10, 2014 at 2:14 am -

    This is so sad. What a shock this must have been to her family. I think it’s really important to do some pre-planning for things like this, a medial alert necklace is a great idea. I cant believe falling is one of the leading causes of death in seniors, this really should be paid more attention to!

  • oldiewriter says:

    June 11, 2014 at 4:34 am -

    Really a shame. At 88, I think she lived a fulfilling life. She won the Emmy Award, participated in The Brady Bunch, which surely earned her perpetual affection from the public. I guess for her this was more important than romantic relationships; she never let anyone be known as her romantic partner.

    How much grief it was a fall that could have been prevented. People nearby said she was enjoying good health for her 88. Dying for a subdural hematoma must have been hard. We really need to have more fall prevention awareness everywhere.

  • SageRave says:

    June 14, 2014 at 4:57 pm -

    I wonder how long it took for someone to find Ms. Davis after her fall.
    Elderly people often live together to guard against being alone during an emergency. This accident illustrates how having other people in the home might not be enough to provide help when it is needed.

    This accident illustrates how important having a personal medical alert system truly is. Ms. Davis, along with thousands of other seniors, might still be alive if they could have called for help without having to use the phone.

    1. theshaynee says:

      June 26, 2014 at 10:31 pm -

      It mentioned in several articles that she had a roommate living with her. It said she told her roommate goodnight and was going up to bed. So that’s comforting to know. Thank goodness for that.

  • oliverleo says:

    June 17, 2014 at 8:43 pm -

    AWW! This is such an unfortunate incident, She was an amazing actress and her legacy will truly remain in many people’s mind. It’s really sad the way she died tho. Nobody wants to die in such circumstances. It doesn’t feel right!, guess she’s in a better place now.

  • theshaynee says:

    June 26, 2014 at 10:30 pm -

    I really hate that. She was my favorite character on the show and seemed like a wonderful person in real life. She was lovely. Rest in peace.

  • wvboarder says:

    July 7, 2014 at 4:46 pm -

    This was extremely sad to hear about. She was my favorite character on that TV show and will be missed greatly. I loved the Brady Bunch and not many shows can compare, even today. It’s extra sad to think it was because of a fall. It makes me want to keep my relatives who are older than me safer.

  • GoodReplays says:

    July 11, 2014 at 5:31 pm -

    This is an unfortunate event. She has lived a great life and influenced others in the process. May she rest in peace and her good she has done never shall be forgotten. Thank you Alice for everything you have done. May you rest in peace,.

    1. ellyjude says:

      August 27, 2015 at 2:15 pm -

      It is so painful to miss someone who added sense to most peoples’ lives. Death is a disaster that even when you are around the person who is about to pass on then there is nothing one can do but only to be an observer. RIP Alice.

  • junenrufus says:

    July 20, 2014 at 1:31 am -

    From what I read, she fell in her bathroom. That is the worst place to fall, I think. I fell in the tub once and dislocated my shoulder, and it was very painful and scary. There are just so many slippery places in that little room, and so many hard objects to hit your head on. What a terrible accident. I am so sorry this happened to her. At least she did have a long life. I hope I get to live to age 88 and be described as in “excellent health”!

  • SaraQ says:

    July 29, 2014 at 12:35 am -

    Immensely sad to hear about the demise of Ann B.Davis. Even at the at the age of 88 she was in terrific health. The incident in itself is unfortunate however it is one of those things that could have been prevented. Senior fitness is extremely important and fall prevention could have changed the result of this unfortunate event.

  • Kae says:

    July 30, 2014 at 3:53 am -

    The character Alice was a major influence in my life while growing up. I pretended that she was caring me, as well. The Brady Bunch show provided me a normal influence. I really needed that stability and Alice was my Angel.

  • Diane says:

    July 15, 2015 at 5:39 am -

    Rest in Peace, Ann B. Davis. I hope she knew how many lives she touched with her acting. It sounds as if she had a full life, and was active up until the end. This is the same way one of my grandfathers died, and it’s scary that my Mom is getting up there in age. I’m going to discuss this with her.

  • Esmael says:

    July 18, 2015 at 7:42 am -

    Aw no! I used to watch her play in the Brady Bunch all the time! Its terrifyingly sad to see her pass away like this, especially in a fall. It is like you said, its the Leading ways of death for the elderly. There can never be another Ann though…

  • GemmaRowlands says:

    July 28, 2015 at 1:48 pm -

    This is such sad news indeed, and it just goes to show how careful you have to be around the home, because there are so many hazards that you have to be aware of. You should make sure that there is nothing that you can trip over, as well as trying to keep active regularly and eating the right foods to keep you in the best physical condition, as this means that you are much less likely to suffer events like falls. Do your best to look after yourself, as it will improve your life in the long term!

  • Selvie says:

    July 30, 2015 at 9:09 am -

    Sorry to hear about “Alice”. This is scary because my mom is 74 and I am nearing 50. Just over 10 years ago, my mom had a fall and had to have hip surgery. She now walks with a limp unless she uses her walking stick. Since then she has fallen a few times again but thank heaven she is still going strong. She still walks around and insists on doing everything for herself. She even helps others in the community and gives active service at her religious organization. We are afraid of another fall but feel that stopping her from having an active life would be worse than death. Lets look after our parents. Thank you for this site.

    1. JoggingDaily says:

      August 10, 2015 at 8:59 pm -

      To many young people, the idea of falling and being unable to get up is a silly joke. To us seniors, it is a very real threat. I had a friend who fell on her way out of the grocery store and broke her back. She hasn’t been the same since, even with multiple visits to the chiropractor. Things like the Lifealert may seem goofy, but they can sometimes be the difference between life and death.

  • kariad28 says:

    August 10, 2015 at 7:59 am -

    OMG I love her so much. She was one of the funniest people ever.It is very sad to see her leave this world but she is in a better place now. She will be remembered forever by all. I know I will show my kids the show it is still a great show to me and I will pass it on.

  • kariad28 says:

    August 10, 2015 at 8:04 am -

    It is very strange how famous people pass away and some don’t know about the passing. I feel so bad not knowing she is gone and just now finding out. My mom is going to be sad as well she made a lot of people smile. She was always happy even in real life I love her. I’m sorry she is gone but she is with God now.

  • Mama Bulldog says:

    August 15, 2015 at 5:20 pm -

    She was on one of my all time favorite sitcoms growing up! The items listed as conditions that would put you at greater risk for a fall were informative. I need to check immediately to see if my parents have some type of alert in place. Thanks for the reminder about those.

    It’s my belief that medications are overused and abused. I know they are needed at times, but the risks involved in taking them often cost more than if you just dealt with the current condition. I didn’t know that a lot of medications would be something that would put you at risk for a fall, but it makes sense. I don’t think anyone is at their best when they are drugged. But again, there are always exceptions and medications play an important role in our health. I know they are needed sometimes.

  • aphil says:

    August 16, 2015 at 9:57 am -

    I know this reality, having lost a loved one due to a fall. Whatever condition they are in, it just seems to make them plummeting.. It is so good that you are sharing preventive measures.
    I have actually fell myself, and I couldn’t figure out why, but now I see blood pressure in your list, that may have been it. I plan to be careful and share this info with many people.

    1. Mama Bulldog says:

      August 16, 2015 at 5:54 pm -

      Blood pressure rising and falling was one that caught my attention, too. I have also fallen and I’m only 50. My issues were vertigo related; however, several of the symptoms discussed made my eyes pop. Not just for my parents, but for me as well.

      I’m so sorry to heard about losing a loved one in this way.

  • ohserena says:

    August 20, 2015 at 1:23 pm -

    I’m so sad to read that she passed! Somehow I missed this news when it happened. Such fond memories of watching Ann play Alice on The Brady Bunch. My step grandmother died a few years ago from a fall and she was in great health like Ann. May she rest in peace.

  • mzbaker says:

    September 5, 2015 at 12:39 am -

    Ohh Wow I never even heard about this. Too sad, I really liked Alice on the Brady Bunch. That was one of my favorite shows and she was my favorite housekeeper! She always had something clever to say! It’s sad to see this, even though I’m late.

  • Gloria says:

    September 6, 2015 at 9:23 pm -

    That’s so sad. It’s frightening to realize how common these kinds of deaths are. She sounded very active and alert, but one fall is still all it took. I have been considering getting Life Alert or some other medical emergency necklace for my sister who lives alone. I think I may look into it for myself too.

  • Diane says:

    September 10, 2015 at 8:09 pm -

    I did mention this to my Mother, and hopefully she has heeded the warning. I know my stress level increases with Winter approaching, because I worry about her slipping on the ice outside. She’s aware of my concern, and hopefully that will be a reminder. She has Osteoporosis, and although she’s been on medication for it for years, it’s still a major concern of mine that she will fall and break a hip or something else, and end up having to go into a home at least temporarily. I know she would not handle that well, since she’s a pretty independent woman.

  • Celerian says:

    October 4, 2015 at 8:26 pm -

    RIP Alice! She lived such a great and indpendant life

  • getup says:

    October 5, 2015 at 10:03 pm -

    We will miss Ann B. Davis. She left an impression on our culture. Her fall reminds me of when my mother felt faint in the bathroom. She laid herself down and yelled, “help, help”. Her little dog started barking at her side. Between the two, I knew something was wrong. It was just low blood pressure. It was fortunate I was home. You never know what will happen.

  • Nemesysbr says:

    October 23, 2015 at 5:11 pm -

    I didn’t know this woman until a few weeks ago, but after reading her story I can’t help but feel saddened by her passing. I give my condolences to anyone who had the privilege of meeting this person, she lived lengthy life, with equally lengthy achievements and precious moments.

  • Katekatecupecake says:

    November 24, 2015 at 10:27 pm -

    This is truly a tragedy. Though there is no exact way to prevent these kinds of things, I believe there should be more ways to prevent falls and take care of seniors. Some nursing homes and care center, as well as individual families, don’t know how to properly care for seniors.

  • diligentworker says:

    December 15, 2015 at 7:32 pm -

    For such a beautiful lady to lose her life in that way, it saddens me, but it shows me that I have to be diligent in helping my parents to stay on their feet. Slip-and-fall accidents are unfortunate, and they are hard to prevent, but it’ll never hurt to take extra safety precautions.

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