HC

R H

ome C

are85 M

etro Park R

ochester, NY

14623

Thank you,

your stamp

will help H

CR

Cares.

To learn more about HCR Cares, as well as the home health care services

available from HCR Home Care, visit our website at HCRHealth.com

Falls are a Normal Part of Aging.

Falls are Preventable.

Falls are the number one cause of accidental death in adults over the age of 65, and the leading cause of disability, loss of independence, hospitalization, and nursing home placement.

There are many reasons why people fall, including medical problems or medications, rushing to the bathroom, or tripping over cords or throw rugs. Balance problems or muscle weakness also can lead to falls.

If you answer YES to any of these questions,

you are at risk of falling:• Have you fallen or nearly fallen in the last three months?

• Are you afraid that you might fall?

• Do you need to use your arms to rise from chairs?

Determine your level of risk in three easy steps.

85 Metro Park Rochester, NY 14623

P: (585) 272–1930F: (585) 272–7445

Making Rochester a Center of Excellence

in Falls Prevention

Are You at Risk of Falling?

HCR Cares and HCR Home Care

collaborated to develop and test a Falls

Prevention Program in two Rochester-area

senior living communities. These successful

programs now help families and caregivers

develop a culture of safety with at-risk seniors,

thereby reducing falls and fall risk.

A collaborative effort of...

!

Take This Simple Test Take Action to Reduce Your Risk of FallingHigh RiskCall your doctor or HCR Home Care at (585) 272–1930 for instruction on ways to improve your strength. Do the exercises in this brochure only if you feel safe doing them on your own.*

Exercise to Minimize Your Risk Exercise #1—Sit to Stand

Targets thighs and buttocks. Do three to five times each week.

1. Sit in a straight-backed chair with your feet shoulder- width apart. SLOWLY rise up to a standing position. Use your hands for support, if necessary. 2. Pause. SLOWLY bend your knees and lower yourself towards the chair. If you can’t sit all the way down or feel

pain or discomfort, place a cushion on the chair or squat down only four to six inches.

3. Repeat 10 times. Rest for one minute. Complete a second set of 10. Too difficult? Start with fewer and build up to 10.

Exercise #2—Side Hip RaiseTargets hip and thigh muscles.

Do three to five times each week. 1. Stand next to a sturdy chair with feet slightly apart and toes facing forward. Keep your legs straight. Place one hand on the back of the chair for support. As you become stronger, hold on to the chair with only one finger.

2. SLOWLY lift your left leg out to the side. Keep your leg straight. Only a small amount of movement is necessary.

3. Pause. SLOWLY lower your left foot back to the ground.

4. Repeat 10 times, then 10 times with the right leg. Rest for one minute. Do a second set of 10 repetitions with each leg.

HCR Cares is a 501 (c) 3 and a United Way donor designated agency that provides educational, social, and service opportunities that assist in improving the quality of life for those whose independence is challenged or at-risk. HCR Cares also offers grant opportunities to hard-working and qualified nursing students.

You need a straight-backed chair and a clock with a second hand. If you cannot time yourself, ask someone to do it for you.

1. Sit in the middle of the chair with your feet flat on the floor and your arms folded across your chest.

2. Rise to a full stand and return to a complete sitting position. Count how many times you are able to do this in 30 seconds. If you are on your way up when time is up, count that as one.

3. Your score determines your fall risk level:

n8 or less times = High Risk

n9 to 12 times = Moderate Risk

n13 or more times = Low Risk

Please have a professional from HCR Home Care contact me about my level of risk for falls and prevention opportunities.

Date:

Name:

Phone:

City: State: ZIP:

Age: Male Female

Check the statements that are true for you:

I have fallen or nearly fallen in the past three months.

I am afraid that I might fall.

I need to use my arms to rise from a chair.

My Fall Risk Level is:

High Risk (8 or less)

Moderate Risk (9 to 12)

Low Risk (13 or more)

Who helped you complete this screening?

Health care worker

Family member or friend

I tested myself

Mail this pre-addressed card to:HCR Home Care 85 Metro Park Rochester, NY 14623

© Physio Tools Ltd.

*Before beginning any exercise program, consult your physician or your physical therapist.

HCR Home Care provides the best quality home care with highly skilled, compassionate health care professionals. HCR offers services including skilled nursing, physical, speech and language therapies, medical social work, registered dieticians, home health aides, and personal care aides.

Moderate RiskDo the exercises in this brochure. Seek assistance from your doctor or HCR if you have difficulty.*

Low Risk Keep your risk low by doing these exercises! *