Falling Leaves Raise

FALLING LEAVES RAISE EFFORTS OF FALL PREVENTION

Submitted by Bonnie Lewis, RN Dependent Care Educator

September 22 was the first day of autumn, kicking off the annual fall prevention efforts by the NYS Office for the Aging. The Caregiver Resource Center has free materials for caregivers and seniors upon request to prevent falls and continues to offer Tai Chi for Arthritis and for Fall Prevention. The next eight week series, held virtually using zoom, starts on October 13, Tuesdays and Thursdays for one hour, 3:304:30pm. The classes are free and you can register on our website: http:// sullivancce.org/events. Why does the caregiver program continue to focus on falls and offer tai chi? Each year, 1 out of every 3 people over the age of 65 has a fall. Falls are the leading cause of death from injury for people 65 years or older and the most common form of injury from a fall is a hip fracture. Emotionally, falls can be devastating. The fear of falling again can cause a person to restrict their activities, resulting in feelings of loss, loneliness, and helplessness. Avoiding activity because of fear and anxiety can increase the risk of falling again! The primary goal of fall prevention is to maintain and encourage independence using regular exercise and participating in enjoyable activities. Falls and the problems that lead to falls are NOT a natural, unavoidable part of the aging process! Medical conditions, medications, deteriorating vision and hearing, and the home environment can contribute to falls and should be treated or attended to.

Fall Prevention Suggestions: Carrying and lifting

• Never carry objects that are too heavy or large, making balance difficult: make several, smaller trips. • Never block your vision as you carry any object.

Shoes:

• Low heels with a good tread, avoiding smooth leather soles, securely tied or firmly fastened with Velcro. • Stocking feet are very slippery and should be avoided (as well as slippers that do not have rubber soles).

Home fall-proofing

• Eliminate area rugs or runners (or only use those with rubberized non-slip backing). • Electric cords should never be on or over any walkways; if needed, place them along a wall (do not place them under a rug either; uneven surfaces can also create a trip hazard). • Keep floors and stairs clear of clutter. • Rubber, non-slip rubber adhesive under furniture legs to help it from sliding.

Bedroom

• Bed height should be at a comfortable height, stable and firm enough to get in and out easily. • The phone, lamp and emergency flashlight are easily within reach. • Electric blanket or heating pad cords are out of the way, so they do not become tripping hazards.

Bathroom

• Bathmats need to be rubberized slip-resistant inside and outside of the shower or tub. • Grab bars both in and outside of the shower or tub and next to the toilet need to be installed. • Individuals over the age of 60 and residents of Sullivan County can contact the Office for the Aging (845-807-0241) for help with home modifications and safety questions. https://sullivanny.us/departments/ aging • Shower benches or chairs allows a person to sit safety inside the tub. Back supports and rubber-tipped feet keep both the person and chair from sliding. • A raised toilet seat helps when strength or balance are a problem; some have arms that also help with stability.

Outdoors

• Falls frequently occur on curbs or on steps. Traction tape on stair treads will minimize the chance of falls when stairs are wet. • Uneven door thresholds can increase the risk of a fall. Using contrasting color adhesive strips on the edges of a threshold make it more visible.

Medications

• Side effects, such as drowsiness or dizziness, contributes to falls. • Review all medications periodically with your physician or pharmacist. • Examples of drugs that can contribute to falls are diuretics, blood pressure medications and psychotropics.

Emergency Alarm Systems

• PERS ~ Personal Emergency Response

Systems can be arranged for any senior in Sullivan County through the

Office for the Aging. These devises provide emergency help at the press of the button, 24 hours a day. It can be worn as a necklace, bracelet or on a belt. It really helps to alleviate the fear of being alone, especially during an emergency such as a fall. • Note: they are not appropriate for individuals dealing with a dementia or Alzheimer’s disease as they may be confused and forget how and when to use the alarm.

Source: Source: Karpinski, Marion. “Fall Prevention.” In Quick Tips for Caregivers. Healing Arts Communications, 2000.