Fall Prevention – Shawnee Co., Kansas Original Developed by Crawford County Age Well

Objectives Increase awareness of fall risk factors Evaluate fear of falling Reduce fall risk Introduce Falling Less In Kansas toolkit & Addendum

A Fall Defined Sudden, unintentional change in position causing an individual to land at a lower level, on an object, the floor, or the ground, other than as a consequence of sudden onset of paralysis, epileptic seizure, or overwhelming external force

Fall Facts Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths in people 65 and older 50% of falls happen in the home 2 out of 3 people who have fallen fear falling again Fall chances increase as the number of risk factors increase Targeting many risk factors works better than targeting just one

More Fall Facts People with foot problems have twice the risk of falling 30% of adults 65+ report foot problems As we age, changes in nerves and muscles can impair ability to walk or react to sudden balance losses and changes Balance problems increase the risk of falling 4 to 5 times

More Fall Facts The environment contributes to falls Uneven sidewalks No handrails on stairs Diseases affect balance and can double fall risk Arthritis Diabetes Parkinson’s Disease Alzheimer’s Disease

More Fall Facts Memory, attention, language or decision making problems increase the risk of falling Carrying something like a purse, laundry basket or grocery bag, can cause falls Falls can be prevented!

Falling Less In Kansas FREE Toolkit Falls Awareness and Prevention Strategies for Adults, The Falling LinKS Toolkit, Wichita State University, Regional Institute on Aging, 2013

For Individuals Who Use Assistive Devices People who use walkers and canes need upper and lower body strength to safely use their assistive devices and avoid falls. The assistive device addendum provides safe exercises for individuals who use assistive devices. Developed by Topeka Community of Care, Summer 2017 Encourage clients who use adaptive devices (cane, walker, etc.) to use these exercises for strength and balance. Share the addendum with clients as well as the tip sheets on device safety.

Reasons For Falls Decreased physical activity Certain medications Poor vision Hazards in the home

Physical activity helps

Physical Activity Benefits Helps improve physical strength and balance Reduces risk of falling Lots of ways to be physically active Walking Gardening Dancing

Exercise Benefits Helps with strength and balance Improves health Reduces risk of falling Easier to be active independently It is good for everyone!

Physical Activity & Exercise Simple exercises can be done at home Many fitness clubs offer exercise classes Community programs (Parks & Rec) may also offer programs Exercises in the Falling Less Kansas Toolkit & Addendum Yellow = Basic exercises Orange = Advanced exercises

Safety First Check with healthcare provider Stop exercising and call if you experience Pain Dizziness Trouble Breathing Feel Sick Maintain proper posture to avoid injury Follow safety instructions

Safety Tips Have a sturdy chair near when doing standing position activities Exercise on non-skid floor Dry Clutter-Free Wear non-slip shoes Go slow between exercises

What To Expect Mild muscle soreness! If more than mild, decrease the intensity of the activity or exercise If lasts more than 3 days, contact your healthcare team

Medications

Medications Can Increase Fall Risk Falls are one of the most common side effects Taking more than 4 medications per day may increase fall risk

Reducing Medication Risk Discuss medications with healthcare team at least once every year Take all prescriptions, in the original containers, to appointments Ask if medications might increase your fall risk If yes, ask if safer medication options exist

Reducing Medication Risk Make and keep a complete list of all prescriptions and over-the-counter medications (including herbals) Keep up-to-date medication list on refrigerator It is easy to find in an emergency

Taking Medications Take medications exactly as directed Report side effects to your healthcare team Know why you are taking each medication Know the possible side effects of each medication Do not take expired medications Never take medications in the dark Get to know your pharmacist

Storing Medications Keep your medications in the same place Do not mix your medications with those of other members of the family Keep medications away from children Properly dispose of medications no longer using

FREE Resources File of Life Vial of Life www.folife.org www.vialoflife.com

Vision

Vision Problems Can Increase Fall Risk Blurry vision, glare, going from light to dark and poor depth perception Affect balance Low Vision, another term to describe reduction in sharpness, loss of side vision, or reduced contrast

Reducing Vision Risk See an eye doctor annually for a vision screening Around the house Keep furniture and household items in the same place Keep cabinet doors closed or open (pick one) Use contrasting tape on thresholds, steps and coffee tables

Reducing Vision Risk In the bathroom Use a dimmer switch to control glare when bathing Use contrast tape on the edge of the bathtub Use colored, non-skid mat or strips on the bottom of the bathtub Use towels that contrast with the wall Use contrasting toilet seat covers and tissue boxes

Home Safety

Common Home Fall Risks Poorly lit stairways Slick floors Throw (scatter) rugs Loose carpet Electrical wires and/or cords on the floor No handrails on stairs Clutter

Fall Proof Your Home Little or No Cost Non-slip mats in laundry and bath areas Adequate space to move around furniture Remove wheels from furniture Remove/Repair unstable furniture Adjust chair and bed height Lights in hallways Mark doorway thresholds Use the TV remote Fluorescent tape on edges of steps

Fall Proof Your Home Moderate Cost Modifications Add ceiling lights Install motion/sound activated lights Move electrical outlets and switches so they are easy to reach Install a phone on each floor Purchase heavy furniture that will not tip over Install assistive devices Install electronic emergency response system Install lamps turned on by switches near room entries Install bars on the sides of bed

Erasing Your Risk

Falling Less In Kansas Assess your risk in each area Physical Activity or Exercise Medications Vision Home Safety Make plans and take action using the Falling Less in Kansas toolkit

Assistive Device Safety

Cane Safety Adjust cane for height with hand grip level with wrist crease when arm is at side Use cane in hand opposite to the affected or weaker leg. Move it forward with weaker leg. Replace rubber tip at end of cane when it becomes worn Walk with legs wider apart when walking on slopes/ramps On the stairs or curb: Step up with stronger leg first Step down with weaker leg first See tip sheet for additional information

Walker Safety Adjust walker for height with hand grips level with wrist crease when arm is at side Push up from chair when rising to stand. Do not pull on the walker. Keep yourself upright (avoid stooping) and don’t let the walker get too far in front of you. Renew rubber tips, glides, or tennis balls on the back legs of walker when they become worn. When stepping up on a curb, put all four legs of walker up 1st Use brakes if your walker has them! See tip sheet for additional information

Pre and Post Assessment Thank you for taking the Fear of Falling Self-Assessment. To understand how beneficial this program is we would like to contact you in 3 months to do a Post-Program Self Assessment. You may be contacted via email to take the survey or receive a paper survey for completion. We appreciate your participation.

Thank you and stay safe!