HCR Offers Tips to Prevent Older Adult Falls
(Sept. 2015) While falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injury for people age 65 and older, they are not an inevitable part of aging. HCR Home Care is joining forces with the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and the Falls Free Coalition to help spread this message through Falls Prevention Awareness Day was the first day of fall, Sept. 23.
This year’s Fall Prevention Awareness Day theme, Take a Stand to Prevent Falls, seeks to raise awareness about how to prevent fall-related injury among older adults. Studies show that a combination of behavior changes can significantly reduce falls among older adults. Tips include:
- Participating in a physical activity regimen with balance, strength training, and flexibility components.
- Consulting with a health professional about getting a fall-risk assessment.
- Having medications reviewed periodically.
- Getting eyes and ears checked annually.
- Making sure the home environment is safe and supportive.
“It’s important for older adults to know that falls are not a normal part of aging,” said Judy Daniel, SPT, GCS, regional director of therapeutic services, HCR Home Care. “By following these tips, people can prevent a fall or reduce the likelihood of experiencing one.”
Older adults and their families can learn more about falls prevention while they are eating out at a restaurant. HCR Home Care is providing placemats to some restaurants across the state featuring tips on how to avoid falls, as well as falls prevention-related word searches and other activities.