Senior Helpers offers fall prevention tips
The first day of fall this year, Sept. 22, is also the National Council on Aging’s Falls Prevention Awareness Day. According to NCOA, falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of non-fatal, trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults. Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall, and every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall. Christopher Stetzar, an in-home senior services professional with Senior Helpers of Dover serving the Dover area, says the importance of fall prevention is made even more urgent by an aging population. More than 40 million Americans are currently age 65 or older, and this number is expected to grow to more than 88 million by 2050.
“If you are an older adult, or are responsible for the care of an older adult, these statistics may be frightening,” said Stetzar. “The good news is that many falls are preventable.”
The following tips from NCOA are simple to implement and effective in reducing fall hazards for every member of the family.
• Enroll in a good balance and exercise program to build balance, strength and flexibility.
• Ask a healthcare professional about a fall risk assessment.
• Review medications with a doctor or pharmacist; side effects can increase fall risk.
• Have annual hearing and vision checkups, and keep eyeglass prescriptions up to date.
• Keep the home safe – remove trip hazards, increase lighting levels, and install handrails on stairs and grab bars in bathrooms.
• Make fall prevention a family affair; younger family members are at risk, too.
Companies like Senior Helpers, one of the nation’s largest home care providers, can help those who are not sure which steps to take to reduce fall hazards in their home. Local offices nationwide, including Senior Helpers of Dover, provide no-cost, in-home assessments to identify potential fall hazards and other safety issues.
“Our experience with seniors helps us recognize potential hazards that may not be obvious,” said Stetzar. “For example, an adult’s shoe size may change with age. A shoe that is too big increases the risk of a fall. Pets can be wonderful companions, but they can also get underfoot, causing a fall. It’s tempting to reach for a towel rack or sink edge for support, but properly installed railings and grab bars are the safer option. And dementia, because it increases the risk of wandering, also increases the risk of falling. Our goal is to help ensure that loved ones can remain safe and independent at home for as long as possible.”
To schedule a no-cost home assessment, get more tips for preventing falls at home, or for more information about dementia and other caregiving services offered by Senior Helpers of Dover, contact Christopher Stetzar at 302-674-2234 or cstetzar@seniorhelpers.com or go to www.seniorhelpers.com/doverde.
