Fall Prevention Awareness Day

1 in 4 Americans aged 65 years and older falls each year. Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall. Fall Prevention Day is an important annual reminder that simple, proactive steps — from removing tripping hazards to installing grab bars — can dramatically reduce the risk of falls for older adults. At Relevar, we encourage families and caregivers to use this occasion as a moment to assess the home environment and put a safety plan in place. Every 19 minutes an older adult dies from a fall. Falls are common and are the leading causes of head injuries and broken hips. This is the harsh reality and it is terrible, but we can do something about it to keep our older loved ones from falling.

When Is Annual Falls Prevention Awareness Day?

September 22^nd is the Annual Falls Prevention Awareness Day. It is the first day of fall and is a notable milestone that raises awareness about how to prevent fall-related injuries among older adults.

 6 Steps to Prevent Falls

1. Find a good balance and exercise program. Look to build balance, strength and flexibility. Contact your local area agency on aging for referrals. Find a program that you like and take a friend or family member.
2. Talk to your health care provider. Ask for an assessment of your risk of falling. Share your history of any recent falls as well.
3. Regularly review your medications with your doctor or pharmacist. Make sure side effects aren’t increasing your risk of falling. Take medications only as prescribed.
4. Get your visit and hearing check annually and update your eyeglasses. Your eyes and ears are keeping you on your feet.
5. Keep your home safe. Remove tripping hazards, increase lighting, make stairs safe, and install grab bars in key areas.
6. Talk to your family members. Enlist their support in taking simple steps to stay safe. Falls are not just a seniors’ issue.

Falls threaten seniors’ safety and independence and generate enormous economic and personal costs. Falling is not an inevitable result of aging. Through practical lifestyle adjustments, evidence based falls prevention programs and clinical community partnerships, the number of falls among seniors can be substantially reduced. Falls with or without injury also carry a heavy quality of life impact. A growing number of older adults fear falling and, as a result, limit their activities and social engagements. This can result in further physical decline, depressions, social isolation, and feelings of helplessness. We do not want that for our loved ones, we need to help and take a stand.

Visit the ncoa.org for some helpful handouts, tools and resources on Falls Prevention Awareness day.

This fall season, don’t just think about fall prevention—put a comprehensive safety plan in place. Let us help you assess your home and your needs, and discover how personalized in-home care can give you and your family peace of mind.

Call us at 586-784-6949 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with one of our care advisors. We serve families throughout Southeast Michigan and are here to help.