Brought to you by: Kayla Brittney, Austin & Corinne

WELCOME TO:WATCH YOUR STEP!

WHAT’S THE PROBLEM?

More than one third of adults 65 and older fall each year in the United States

Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths in older adults

They are also the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma

20-30% of people who fall suffer moderate to severe injuries such as bruises, hip fractures or head traumas; making it hard to get around and limiting independent living (CDC).

IMPORTANCE OF EXERCISE

Regular exercise helps keep you strong and improves muscle tone.

It also helps keep your joints, tendons, and ligaments flexible.

An inactive lifestyle can cause older adults to lose ground in four areas that are important for staying healthy and independent: strength, balance, flexibility & endurance (NIH).

MEDICATIONS Different types can have various effects on

balance and alertness.

As you get older, the way medicines work in your body can change.

Seniors who take four or more medications may be two to three times more likely to be injured due to a fall than those using less medication

OTHER MISC. FACTORS

Have your vision & hearing tested: At least once a year

Small changes in sight and hearing can make you less stable

If you order new glasses, take time to get used to them & wear them when you should

If you need a hearing aid, be sure it fits well

Be safe, take your time: Always stand up slowly

after eating, lying down or resting; getting up too quickly can cause your blood pressure to drop which can make you feel faint.

Use a cane, walking stick or walker to help you feel steadier when you walk. This is very important when you’re walking in areas you don’t know.

FALL HAZARDS IN THE HOME

WALKWAYS

Potential Hazards: Furniture that is too close

together and cluttered, blocking or interfering with walkways.

Throw rugs or unsecured floor coverings.

Clutter such as books, towels, shoes, boxes and other misc. objects on the floor.

Exposed wires or cords like lamp, telephone or extension cords.

Recommendations: Move furniture to create a

clear and safe path.

Remove the rugs or use double sided tape &/or a non-slop backing.

Pick up objects off floor, keep floor clear of clutter.

Coil or place cords/wires next to wall to not trip over them.

STAIRS & STEPS

Potential Hazards: Objects/Clutter on the

stairs i.e. books, shoes, etc

Uneven or broken steps

Missing a light over the stairway

Having only one light switch for the stairs (top or bottom)

Unsteady or lack of handrails for the stairs

Recommendations: Always keep objects off the

stairs

Fix loose or uneven steps

Have an electrician put in a light at the top & bottom of stairway

Have an electrician put in a light switch at the top & bottom of stairs

Fix loose handrails, or install new ones, make sure handrails are on either sides of stairway and that follow entire length of the stairs.

KITCHEN

Potential Hazards:

Frequently used items stored on high shelves

Using a unsteady stool, chair or ladder

Recommendations:

Move frequently used items to lower shelves, preferably near waist level.

Use a step stool with a bar to hold onto; never use a chair or unsteady stool

BATHROOM

Potential Hazards:

Having a slippery tub or shower floor

Lack of support or items to grab onto when getting in and out of tub or up from the toilet

Recommendations:

Use a non-slip rubber mat or self-stick strips on the floor of tub or shower

Have a carpenter put grab bars inside and outside of the tub and next to toilet

BEDROOMS

Potential Hazards:

Lighting near bed is hard to reach

The path from bed to bathroom is poorly lit

Recommendations:

Place a lamp close to the bed where it’s easy to reach, or have a flashlight nearby

Put in a night-light in any dark hallway to see where you’re walking

OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS:

DON’T wear slippers or socks

DO wear proper footwear, preferably rubber-soled, low-heeled shoes that fully support your feet

DON’T let your home get too cold or hot because it can make your feel dizzy

DO use a fan, drink liquids and keep up with heating/cooling maintenance

DO have a cordless phone near floor in case you fall and cannot get up

DO consider wearing an alarm device that allows emergency help sent to your home at a push of a button

DO be aware and careful if you have a pet in your home

MOCK-UP ROOM

SCAVENGER HUNT!

Help yourselves to coffee and cakes and feel free to ask any questions!

THANK YOU & STAY SAFE!