Council on Aging, Windsor-Essex County1 By Council on Aging, Windsor-Essex County Hotel Dieu Grace Trauma Services Falls Prevention Network 2006 Falls Prevention Workshop

Council on Aging, Windsor-Essex County2 A fall is the unintentional event where a person came to be on the floor or ground without the feet bearing weight. Smart Risk What is a fall???

Council on Aging, Windsor-Essex County3 Fall Statistics  Falls are the #1 leading cause of injury for older adults  Older adults who fall are 3 times more likely to be put into a nursing home ( 5 out of 10 admissions are fall related)  Older adults are 5 times more likely to fall than any other age group  $ 3.2 Billion is spent annually on health care related to falls  1 in 3 older adults will fall and are more likely to fall again

Council on Aging, Windsor-Essex County4 How does this relate to me? Local Falls Statistics: 1 in 3 will fall every year, this equates to 14,595 falls each year or 40 falls every day in Windsor-Essex County. In there were 2776 visits to the 3 ER’s for falls, this equals 7- 8 people everyday.

Council on Aging, Windsor-Essex County5 Risk Factors for Falling 1) Personal Behavioural risks (rushing Over use and misuse of alcohol 1) Physical Functional impairment (poor vision) Muscle and bones (arthritis) 2) Environmental Sidewalks and walkways Stairs, Homes

Council on Aging, Windsor-Essex County6 Vicious Fall Cycle Fear of Falling Decreased Activity Increased Risk of Falling Loss of Strength and Mobility Fall ( Richardson, 1993 )

Council on Aging, Windsor-Essex County7 Staying Healthy to Prevent Falls  Medication: Talk to your Doctor or Pharmacist before starting or stopping any prescription, herbal or over the counter medication.  Nutrition: Discuss your diet with your Doctor or dietitian, especially if you have specific dietary needs e.g. diabetic  Exercise: Helps the digestive system Maintains good heart function and care Contributes to deeper sleep

Council on Aging, Windsor-Essex County8 If you fall at home: Even if you are not physically injured, you may experience some shock from the fall. It is a smart move to: Stay still for a few minutes Think clearly Decide if you can get up SAFELY or if you need help Acknowledge any fear and pain Then sit down, rest, and tell someone you have fallen! Smart Moves What to do if You Fall!!!

Council on Aging, Windsor-Essex County9 Stay on Your Feet Sages Program Geriatric Assessment Program Smart Risk Program Home Injury and Fall Prevention Information Kit Resource Materials and Contributors

Council on Aging, Windsor-Essex County10 For questions, information, or to book a workshop: The Council on Aging 1168 Drouillard Road Windsor, On N8Y 2R1 Ph: (519) Fax: (519) Or