Upload
carolyn-steinberg
View
2.935
Download
0
Tags:
Embed Size (px)
DESCRIPTION
Especially for seniors and their friends and family. Tips on how to make your home safer and prevent dreaded injuries from falls!
Citation preview
Live Life Independently TM
Fall Prevention & Home Safety
Presented byCarolyn Steinberg
Bay Alarm Medical
Live Life Independently TM
Fall Prevention & Home Safety
– Why Fall Prevention?– How do Falls happen?– Facts about Falls– Fall Prevention Tips– In Home Safety Tips– Prevention Resources – Making YOU Safer
Live Life Independently TM
Why Fall Prevention?
Leading cause of unintentional injury death among residents 65+
Affects more 65+ people than stroke or heart attack
60% of all falls take place in the home
CAN be prevented through EDUCATION
Live Life Independently TM
How Do Falls Happen?
Accidents and the environment cause 43% of all falls
Loss of balance & dizziness cause 30% of all falls
Dehydration and poor nutrition
Medication “mixing”
(Source: Summary of 12 different studies nationwide M. Zernicke, AAA, 2000)
Live Life Independently TM
Facts about Falls
95% of hip fractures result from a fall
40% of those who fall are unable to return to independent living, 20% will pass away within the year
2 - 3 times more likely to fall again
Chronic medical conditions can increase risk (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and Parkinson’s)
Live Life Independently TM
There is GOOD NEWS!
Many Falls Can Be PREVENTED!
Live Life Independently TM
Fall Prevention Tips
1. Have your Vision Checked• Annual eye exams• Confirm glasses best suit your needs
2. Review your Medications with your Doctor• As you age, medicines you use may affect you differently• Understand how medicine combos can affect you
Live Life Independently TM
Fall Prevention Tips
3. Begin Regular Exercise
• Ask your Doctor what is right for YOU• Home video’s “Sit and Be Fit” (PBS) • Senior Center Activities
4. Make Your Home Safer
• Perform simple steps in your home to reduce your risk of falling
Live Life Independently TM
In-Home Safety Tips
Making Your Home Safe:
• Remove clutter
• Remove small throw rugs
• Grab bars in the restrooms
Live Life Independently TM
In-Home Safety Tips
• Wear non-slip socks or shoes inside and outside to avoid slipping
• Improve lighting
• In-home safety inspections
Live Life Independently TM
Prevention Resources
• In Home Safety Inspections• Local Senior Centers• ‘Sit & Be Fit’ (video/PBS)• Area Council on Aging • Local Pharmacist • Communicate with a
“Buddy”
Live Life Independently TM
Making YOU Safer
Medical Alert Systems• 24/7 Access to Emergency Medical
Response with touch of a button
• Proven to increase independent living
upwards of 6 years!!
• Seniors receiving care in the first hour following a fall or an emergency have a 90% chance of returning home and avoid having to move to a long-term care facility.
Live Life Independently TM
Stay Safe………..and Continue To Live Life
Independently!
Thank you!
Carolyn SteinbergAccount ManagerBay Alarm [email protected]