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

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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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!

8. 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

9. 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.

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

11. Physical activity helps

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

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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. Medications

19. 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

20. 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

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

24. FREE Resources File of Life Vial of Life www.folife.org

25. Vision

26. 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

27. 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

28. 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

29. Home Safety

30. 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

31. 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

32. 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

33. Erasing Your Risk

34. 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

35. Assistive Device Safety

36. 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

37. 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

38. 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 to take the survey or receive a paper survey for completion.
We appreciate your participation.

39. Thank you and stay safe!