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Every year, on the first day of autumn, communities across the nation come together to observe Fall Prevention Awareness Day. This important day serves as a reminder of the significant impact falls can have on individuals and the collective effort needed to prevent them. As we step into the season of changing leaves and cooler temperatures, it's crucial to raise awareness about fall prevention and prioritize safety for ourselves and our loved ones.
Falls are a leading cause of injuries among older adults, often resulting in fractures, hospitalizations, and a decline in overall quality of life. However, falls can affect people of all ages, so it's vital to address this issue comprehensively. The consequences of falls go far beyond physical injuries; they can also have emotional and financial repercussions for individuals and their families.
Physical Consequences: Falls can lead to a wide range of physical injuries, including fractures, sprains, and head trauma. These injuries can result in prolonged pain, limited mobility, and a significant loss of independence. For older adults, in particular, a fall can mark the beginning of a decline in health.
Emotional Toll: The emotional toll of a fall should not be underestimated. The fear of falling again can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation. Many individuals who have experienced a fall become hesitant to engage in physical activities they once enjoyed, further compromising their physical and mental well-being.
Financial Burden: The financial burden of falls is substantial. Medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and potential long-term care expenses can put a strain on individuals and families. In some cases, these financial challenges can jeopardize retirement savings and financial security.
Screen - Assess - Intervene
The CDC STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries) initiative is a comprehensive approach developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to help healthcare providers and patients address fall prevention in older adults. Falls are a common and serious issue among older adults, and the STEADI initiative provides tools and resources to reduce the risk of falls and related injuries. Here are some key components of the STEADI program for adult fall prevention:
Screening: Healthcare providers are encouraged to use standardized fall risk assessment tools, such as the "Steady Steps" tool, to identify patients that are at risk of falling. These screening tools help determine an individual's risk factors for falling. When screening, ask questions such as; “Have you fallen in the past year? Do you feel unsteady when standing or walking? Are you worried about falling?” A “yes” to any of these questions indicates that a patient has an increased risk in falling. Once the screening process is complete, healthcare providers can now begin to assess the situation.
Assessment: For patients identified as being at risk, healthcare providers conduct a more comprehensive fall risk assessment. This assessment includes a review of medications, medical conditions, and mobility issues that may contribute to falls. Home hazards are some of the biggest issues with adult falls. Asking detailed questions can be very important in this case. Along with home hazards, here are some additional indicators of an increased fall risk: poor footwear, impaired vision and cognitive ability.
Intervention: Based on the assessment results, healthcare providers can develop personalized fall prevention plans for their patients. These plans may include recommendations for exercise programs, medication adjustments, vision assessments, and home modifications.
Know the Risk Factors: Understanding the risk factors associated with falls is the first step in prevention. These factors include age, muscle weakness, balance issues, medications, chronic health conditions, vision problems, and environmental hazards.
Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity can help improve strength, balance, and flexibility. Exercise programs like tai chi and yoga are particularly effective in preventing falls among older adults.
Medication Management: It's essential to review medications with healthcare professionals regularly. Some medications can cause dizziness or drowsiness, increasing the risk of falls.
Vision Care: Regular eye check-ups are crucial, as vision problems can contribute to falls. Correcting vision impairments and ensuring adequate lighting in the home can make a significant difference.
Home Safety: Eliminating tripping hazards in the home, such as loose rugs and clutter, is essential. Installing handrails, grab bars, and adequate lighting can enhance safety.
Footwear: Wearing proper footwear with non-slip soles and good support is essential for stability.
Regular Health Check-ups: Routine health check-ups can help identify and address underlying health issues that may increase the risk of falls.
While Fall Prevention Awareness Day is an important annual event, it's crucial to emphasize fall prevention year-round. Education and awareness campaigns should continue to remind people of the risks and strategies for prevention.
Additionally, healthcare providers, community organizations, and families can work together to support individuals at risk of falls. This might involve home assessments, personalized exercise programs, and ongoing monitoring of medication use.
As we embrace the arrival of autumn, let's also embrace the idea of falling for safety. Falls are a significant threat to individuals' well-being and the healthcare system as a whole. By raising awareness, identifying risks, and taking proactive measures, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from the physical, emotional, and financial consequences of falls. Fall prevention should be a priority not just on Fall Prevention Awareness Day but throughout the year. Together, we can make a difference in safeguarding lives and promoting safety in every season.
Please remember to be SAFE!
S - Screen for factors that may increase fall risk.
A - Assess the patient to best issues that can contribute to falls.
F - Formulate the patient’s fall prevention plan.
E - Educate the patient and caregiver about medical conditions and mobility issues that lead to high risk falls.
More than 750,000 Americans experience a stroke every year. Readjusting to life after a stroke can be overwhelming, but SYNERGY HomeCare Gerontologist Dr. Macie Smith has tips for a successful home-based recovery. When focusing on stroke recovery at home, be sure to review all of the information you received from the hospital and/or rehab facility. This will include any new medications that have been prescribed. It will also include information about in-home care providers for physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. If there are prescriptions for any durable medical equipment like a walker or gait belt, make sure to understand how to use them properly.As you recalibrate to your at-home routine, it is important that you stick to the prescribed therapy sessions and that you do the prescribed exercises in between home visits from your therapists.The biggest focus of stroke recovery is getting ones strength back. But its equally important to recognize that a full recovery from a stroke may mean having a new baseline of ability and function. That means you may not get back to what you had before the stroke. Doing your therapy will mean that you get as much back as you possibly can.Another important component of recovery relates to understanding the recovery journey, which is specific to each person. Knowing what to expect during recovery can help manage expectations so frustration or despair doesnt set in. Talk with the doctors and therapists to get a clear picture on how much progress you might expect to make over specific time periods.Pay attention to your or your loved ones mental state during this period of recovery. An extreme sad mood lasting longer than two weeks may be a sign of depression, which will need to be addressed.The bottom line is that there are a lot of moving parts during stroke recovery at home. Family caregivers may be overwhelmed and need some assistance with activities of daily living. Respite care for the family caregiver may also be warranted.SYNERGY HomeCare offers highly personalized levels of quality care as early as pre-discharge from the hospital, and our Stroke Recovery program specializes in supporting a recovery plan at homethe best place to be.To learn how SYNERGY HomeCare can support you following a stay in the hospital, click here.Dr. Macie P. Smith is a licensed gerontology social worker who is focused on helping families support their aging loved ones through long-term care. Specifically, Dr. Smith educates caregivers on how to care for seniors with dementia. She is an advocate for specialized care and assists others in finding a way to provide a better quality of life for individuals with Alzheimers or dementia. Dr. Smith has dedicated over 22 years of her life working in gerontology and assisting families in finding personalized solutions for dementia care. For more information, please call 720-204-5788.
Did you know September is National Senior Center Month? Senior benefits centers are often overlooked as a vital source of support for our older loved ones. Heres what you should know.1. How to Find a Senior CenterAs of 2024, there are an estimated 11,000 senior centers in the U.S., serving roughly 1 million older adults every day. In contrast, there are roughly 58 million Americans over the age of 65, meaning that many are neglecting the benefits of the services available at these centers.One of the biggest reasons these centers are underutilized is because not everyone knows how easy they are to find. A simple Google search for senior centers near me, can redirect you to your towns office of aging and disabled services, or you can also visit the website for your local Area Agency on Aging. Both resources can provide you with plenty of options and information about the senior centers nearest to you.2. A Senior Center is a Community HubSenior centers not only provide older adults with a community hub to interact with other people of the same age, but they also provide productive outlets to keep our older loved ones engaged. From fitness classes and health screenings to organized social events and parties, a senior center can provide a lifestyle similar to what youd find at an upscale country club.3. Senior Centers Combat IsolationOne of the biggest risks to older adults is isolation. Isolation can expedite the aging process and is a leading factor behind depression in older adults. Senior centers offer the perfect social outlet to avoid these threats by providing older adults with a wealth of group-centric entertainment options to choose from.4. Senior Centers Promote Health & WellnessMany of these group activities are centered around fitness and health. From group yoga to swim classes to readily available health screenings, there is no shortage of options to choose from for a person to stay in shape at a senior center.5. Senior Centers Provide Support and ServicesSenior centers can also handle many day-to-day needs for older adults that they may not feel comfortable doing on their own. Some centers come with in-house nutritional programs and meal prep to keep diets balanced, while others also provide transportation assistance and direct access to other nearby social services. The ultimate goal of these senior centers is to provide the everyday assistance that an older adult may need in order to continue living independently.SYNERGY HomeCare offers many services that complement those found at a typical senior benefits center. Both outlets are designed to provide much-needed respite for everyday caregivers, meaning your local SYNERGY HomeCare office likely has a close working relationship with nearby senior benefits centers.If you want to tap into SYNERGY HomeCares professional in-home caregiving services, visit our website here, or call (877) 432-2692. Conversely, if you need information or guidance on how to get your older loved one some out-of-home help, the professionals at your nearest SYNERGY HomeCare location are happy to point you in the right direction. If you have any questions, please call us at 720-204-5788.
Do you have a loved one living in an assisted living facility? Assisted living facilities are residences designed for people who are independent but need some help with daily activities. These facilities can be freestanding communities, part of a retirement community or integrated within nursing homes or hospitals.Assisted living maximizes the dignity and independence of residents while also providing 24-hour supervision. In addition to housing, which can range from a private or shared bedroom to a full apartment, assisted living facilities generally provide meals, housekeeping, transportation, security and activities for residents for a set monthly cost. In addition to monthly costs, personal care services may be provided at an additional charge. Such personal care services could include laundry, medication reminders, or assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, and ambulating/transferring.While people in assisted living dont require skilled nursing around the clock, they do need help with activities of daily living (ADLs). Depending on the facility and its staffing ratios, your loved one may need additional one-on-one care to complement the care provided by the facility staff. In addition to always being ready to help with ADLs, SYNERGY HomeCares assisted living home care services can provide more regular supervision and companionship as well as encourage your loved one to eat meals or participate in activities.This added layer of support for your loved one living in an assisted living facility can provide you with peace of mind, as well as help reduce the anxiety and agitation your loved one may experience in a new environment.If youre interested in supplemental caregiving, begin by consulting the facilitys administration to understand what services they cover and where a professional caregiver can add the most value. SYNERGY HomeCares assisted living home care services ensure that the caregiver, while working at the facility, will report directly to the loved ones family who contracted their care.In my opinion, this offers the best of both worlds: a safe and secure living situation with the added support of a personalized caregiver.Dr. Macie P. Smith is a licensed gerontology social worker who is focused on helping families support their aging loved ones through long-term care. Specifically, Dr. Smith educates caregivers on how to care for seniors with dementia. She is an advocate for specialized care and assists others in finding a way to provide a better quality of life for individuals with Alzheimers or dementia. Dr. Smith has dedicated over 22 years of her life working in gerontology and assisting families in finding personalized solutions for dementia care. If you have any questions, please call us at 720-204-5788.
We Care Home Health is a privately owned and family operated Home Health Agency. From our offices located in Firestone, Colorado we service 9 counties along the Front Range. Our mission is to help people by inspiring joy through compassionate care. We provide skilled nursing and therapy services to chronically ill, disabled, and injured individuals in the comfort of their own homes. We know, through personal experience, that caring for yourself or a loved one can be incredibly stressful. Our continuity and quality of care supports clients and their family. When everyone is working together to provide the best care, it is possible to inspire joy in patients, families, and caregivers. We are here for you and your loved ones, bringing peace of mind during lifes most difficult moments.Skilled Nursing: Nursing services are carried out by a Registered Nurse, Licensed Practical Nurse or Certified Nurse Assistant.Registered Nurse - RNs play a vital role in managing medical cases that have a higher complexity and need critical thinking. They complete nursing assessments to determine the level of care needed and communicate with the clients physician or other care providers to establish a plan of care.Licensed Practical Nurse - LPNs work closely under the supervision of either a doctor or a registered nurse. They are trained to provide nursing care that coincides with the plan of care set by the physician or supervising RN.Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) or Home Health Aid (HHA) CNAs are licensed by the state to provide basic medical care. They work closely with an RN or LPN to care for clients and help with activities of daily living.Therapy: Therapy services are performed by a licensed Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist or Speech-Language Pathologist. Physical Therapy - Physical therapists work with clients who have experienced a decline in functional movement. They work with clients to create a personalized set of exercises and movements. The goal of these exercises is to help clients with pain relief, mobility improvement, functional recovery, and symptom management for chronic disease or acute conductions. Occupational Therapy - Occupational therapists help clients who have experienced a loss of motor function learn self-care skills, overcome physical challenges, and manage emotional and social issues. Through education and the use of adaptive tools, they teach clients how to complete household tasks and personal care like bathing and grooming. Occupational therapists also work with clients to create a safer home environment, limiting the risks of falls and injuries.Speech Therapy - The delivery of speech-language services in the home allows for therapy activities to be tailored to address "real life" functional needs. These therapists work with clients to assess, diagnose, treat and help prevent communication and swallowing disorders. The goal of this type of therapy is to help clients develop and maintain safe swallowing techniques, speak clearly, and be able to understand or express thoughts and feelings.