Preventing Falls One Step at a Time Carol Hahn, MSN, RN Director of Education ALLPOINT Home Health

Home Health Agency, providing care to homebound patients in most areas of Los Angeles County. Custodial Services – Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s) Skilled Services – Nursing, and Physical, Occupational, Speech Therapy Caring for our patients as we care for our own family members You are Not Alone ® – Our philosophy is our trademark Licensed by the California Dept. of Public Health

Fall Prevention Coalition of Los Angeles

Definition of a Fall An event which results in a person coming to rest inadvertently on the ground or floor or other lower level - World Health Organization

Presentation Overview 1.Fall Facts 2.Talk with Your Doctor 3.Physical Activity 4.Home & Community 5.What You Can Do 6.Review & Resources

Fall Facts

Falls are the leading cause of injury, hospitalization, and death among adults age 65 and older 1 in 3 older adults falls each year Falls are preventable Source: Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, Injury & Violence Prevention Program, Falls Among Older Adults in Los Angeles County, June 2010.

Common Fall Risk Factors Past falls Hazards in the home and community Problems walking Balance problems Weakness Improper footwear Chronic diseases Multiple medications Poor vision Depression Memory problems Behaviors like rushing Post-operative discharge

Ways to Reduce Your Fall Risk Talk with Your Doctor Prior falls, medications, vision Physical Activity A program just for you – in a class or at home Home & Community Check home for risks, make changes for safety Stay safe outdoors

Talk with Your Doctor

Your Risks Talk with your doctor if you’ve experienced: A fall or near fall (almost falling) in the last 6 months Concern about falling Chronic conditions Problems with walking or balance Muscle weakness Changes in hearing or vision Problems doing daily activities

Medications Bring all medications to your doctor or pharmacist to review for fall risk Especially if you take 4 or more Include vitamins, herbs, and over-the- counter Ask about ways medicines can affect each other Side effects – mention if you have dizziness or unsteadiness after taking medication

Vision Get your vision checked every year Make sure you’re wearing the correct eyewear prescriptions Normal Vision CataractDiabetic Retinopathy Age-Related Macular Degeneration Glaucoma

Healthy Feet Pain or numbness in your feet can change how you walk If you have foot problems, a podiatrist (foot specialist) can help

Assistive Devices If you have walking or balance problems, assistive devices may help Make sure you use each device properly

Medications Question TRUE or FALSE When bringing your medications for your doctor or pharmacist to review for fall risk, you only need to bring the ones that have been prescribed.

Medications Question TRUE or FALSE When bringing your medications for your doctor or pharmacist to review for fall risk, you only need to bring the ones that have been prescribed. FALSE

Physical Activity

Types of Physical Activity Physical activity can include exercise, daily activities, or hobbies You can be physically active in classes in the community or at home

Physical Activity to Reduce Falls Lower body exercises are most effective Balance Strength Flexibility Endurance

Choosing Physical Activities Check with your health care provider to make sure your physical activity is appropriate for you Choose activities that match your interests and abilities

Physical Activity Question TRUE or FALSE The best kinds of physical activity to reduce falls are lower body balance and strength exercises.

Physical Activity Question TRUE or FALSE The best kinds of physical activity to reduce falls are lower body balance and strength exercises. TRUE

Home & Community

Check Your Home Use a safety checklist to look for fall risks in your home Ask your health care provider for a referral to a professional (like an occupational therapist)

Make Changes for Safety Make simple and inexpensive changes to reduce falls: Keep pathways clear Light your way Be aware of uneven surfaces Keep frequently used items close by

Remove Throw Rugs

Add Supports in the Bathroom

Improve Lighting

Stay Safe on the Stairs

Be Careful Carrying things Reaching things

Stay Safe Outdoors Stay in well-lit areas Watch out for uneven sidewalks and fallen leaves Walk for exercise in well-maintained areas Wear footwear with firm soles and low heels Take your time

Stay Safe Around Pets Keep pet items out of walkways Place a bell on your pet’s collar so you know when it is near Walk your dog in well-lit areas with level ground Use two hands on the leash when walking your dog

Home & Community Question TRUE or FALSE Making my home safer will cost a lot of money.

Home & Community Question TRUE or FALSE Making my home safer will cost a lot of money. FALSE

What You Can Do

Get a personal emergency response system Carry a cell phone Create a check-in system with loved ones If you do fall, write down where and how you fell and tell your doctor

Review & Resources

Review Falls are the leading cause of injury among older adults Fall risks can be related to your health, your home, or things you do Falls are preventable

Review Ways to Reduce Your Fall Risk Talk with your doctor about your fall risk Review your medications Have your vision checked Get regular physical activity Check your home and make changes for safety Stay safe outdoors

Referrals to Health Providers Ask for referrals to fall prevention services Pharmacist (medications) Optometrist (vision) Podiatrist (shoes, feet) Occupational therapist (home safety check and improvements) Physical therapist (exercise and physical activity)

Fall Prevention Resources Los Angeles Area Agency on Aging: Fall Prevention Center of Excellence: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): CDC-INFOwww.cdc.gov Eldercare Locator: www.eldercare.gov

Questions Thank you for your time! AllpointHomeHealth.com