Make Fall a Safer Season for Local Seniors
New “Fall Prevention Checklist” Aims to End #1 Cause of Death Among Older Americans!
(September 2014) – With the change of seasons comes an important safety reminder for our seniors. The statistics on falls among older Americans is staggering. According to the Centers for Disease Control:
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Falls are #1 cause of injuries, hospital visits, and death among those 65 & older
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1 out of 3 seniors falls each year.
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In 2010, 2.3 million older adults were treated for fall related injuries
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In 2010, the direct medical costs of falls was $30 billion
SYNERGY HomeCare wants to turn those numbers around by offering local families “6 Steps to Safety”. Families can also take advantage of free in-home safety assessments by a local SYNERGY HomeCare team member.
Step 1 – Home Safe Home
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SYNERGY HomeCare’s comprehensive safety assessments evaluate the interior and exterior of the home.
Some tips include:
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Paint or place bright tape on the edge of steps so seniors can see where one step ends and another begins.
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Provide handrails on BOTH sides of stairs and grab bars in bathrooms
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Provide light at the top and bottom of stairs and throughout halls
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Paint the bottom basement step white to make it more visible
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Secure rugs to the floor to prevent tripping
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Attach non –slip strips to the bottom of slippers
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On the outside, check steps and walkways for loose bricks, cement or stone.
Step 2 – Safety Shoe-in
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Fall prevention research has demonstrated that wearing the right type of footwear can reduce the risk of a fall. Slippers may be comfortable and convenient, but they do not provide proper support to the foot; are often loose fitting and can easily slip off, causing the senior to fall. A SYNERGY HomeCare expert can discuss the 4 easy ways to find out if footwear is safe.
Step 3 – The Eyes have it
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Seniors should know their visual limitations and have their vision checked at least once a year. A good tip: consider getting a pair with single vision distance lenses for activities such as walking outside.
Step 4 – Medication
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Medications can contribute to falling since many of them cause drowsiness and dizziness as a side effect. Let healthcare providers know if you notice a senior experiencing either of these after taking their medications
Step 5 – Exercise
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Exercise is necessary to increase strength and balance; simple chair exercises are good and safe way to achieve this for those with limitations. Seniors can do ankle circles while watching TV, toe raises and heel raises while waiting for dinner.
Step 6 – Nutrition
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Appetite often decreases as we age, but the body still needs the nutrients that food and fluids provide. Water is recommended for hydration over caffeinated drinks (coffee and tea)
“At SYNERGY HomeCare, we have made it our responsibility to bring this issue to light and address it by offering free home safety evaluations to help minimize falls.”, says Rick Basch, President of SYNERGY HomeCare, “We hope families take advantage of this important resource to keep their loved ones safe”.
This story affects all seniors and their families in your area. Help us spread the word about Fall Prevention Awareness and the “6 Steps to Safety ” by touring a home with SYNERGY HomeCare caregivers as they point out the most common danger spots.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
