CHECK YOUR MEDICINES

Fall Prevention Falls Are Preventable There are simple, key tips for you to follow to help prevent slips, trips and falls… so that you can get on with enjoying the fun things in life.

Depth of the problem One in four of the age of 60 One in three over the age of 65 AIHW: Bradley C Hospitalisations due to falls by older people, Australia 2009–10. Injury research and statistics series no. 70. Cat. No. INJCAT 146, Canberra: AIHW

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What is a fall? The World Health Organization defines a fall as: “ An event, which results in a person coming to rest unintentionally on the ground or other lower level”

STAY ON YOUR FEET® Move Improve Remove Falls Are Preventable Here are some simple, key tips for you to follow to help prevent slips, trips and falls… so that you can get on with enjoying the fun things in life. Move your body: Build your balance Strengthen your leg Improve your health: Check your medicines Keep a healthy mind Fuel your body Remove hazards: Make your home safer Check your eyesight Wear safe footwear

Improve Your Health The World Health Organization defines a fall as: Looking after your health and wellbeing is essential at all ages to help keep you independent and reduce illness. Be aware of your body and mind. If you notice any changes such as feeling dizzy, pain, drowsy or depressed, please see your GP. “ An event, which results in a person coming to rest unintentionally on the ground or other lower level”

How many lollies do you think are in the jar?

Introduction to CHECK YOUR MEDICINES All medicines can cause side effects and these increase the more you take. Long-term use of medication, such as sleeping pills, will increase health risks.

You can use an action plan during this session to write down tasks to complete later

Side Effects & Medications Common negative side effects from medications that can lead to falls include: Dizziness Light-headedness or fainting, Drowsiness Confusion Memory problems If you have any of these symptoms see your GP or pharmacist

Pyschoactive Medications; Medicines that affect your mood, behaviour, mental activity or perception These medications are taken by 22% of older adults and are associated with an increased risk of falling. Stopping these medications can reduce the risk of falls by 66% Withdrawal can be gradual

Sleeping Pills Many older people suffer from poor sleep quality and may take sleeping pills These pills have adverse effects such as dizziness, loss of balance and disorientation Side effects far out way the benefits Check whether your sleeping pills are necessary with your GP and understand that withdrawal can be very gradual and there can be many benefits with withdrawing

Medication Management How to avoid side effects and interactions; Make sure you regularly have your medicines checked by your GP or pharmacist Make sure you take your medication in the right dose and at the right time Only take your own medication and not other people’s Make sure have an up to date list of your medications so you know what you are on to avoid double ups

Have a go at writing a medicine list! Which type suits you? Write down the medications you are on and the dosage If there is anything you are not sure about write this in your action plan to ask your GP or pharmacist

Summary All medicines can cause side effects and these increase the more you take. Long-term use of medication, such as sleeping pills, will increase health risks. Therefore; Have your medicines checked regularly Try to avoid psychoactive drugs including sleeping tablets Keep an up to date medicine list

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