Preventing Falls: What Can You Do to Be Safe
Shalom Park Nursing Home
May 08, 2013
Colorado - Denver Metro , Colorado - Denver North Metro , Colorado - Denver South Metro
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There are many things that can be done to decrease the risk of falling!
Assessment: Find a healthcare provider who will take time to review your medications, overall fitness, and recommend a facility or therapist that can provide suitable activities, classes or services. Have your vision checked regularly. Have your vitamin D level checked as low levels can be associated with an increase in fall risk.
Home Safety: Remove tripping hazards such as throw rugs and cords. Ensure there is adequate lighting; night lights that are activated by motion can be helpful. Use a seat and install grab bars in showers and bathtubs. Talk to an occupational therapist about additional ideas.
Exercise: Engage in weight bearing activities like walking, yoga, or Tai Chi to promote strength and bone density. Weight training has immense benefits as well. It is important to find a fitness facility that has qualified staff and equipment specifically designed for the geriatric population.
Water: The benefits of aquatic exercise are numerous. The buoyancy of water adds a sense of safety and makes exercise easier and less painful, leaving the body less fatigued. The resistance provided by water promotes muscle strengthening and improvements in balance. Warm water pools provide the additional therapeutic benefits of muscle relaxation.
Balance: Balance is very important for seniors. Look for a facility that has a professional-quality balance training machine, such as a Biodex Balance System, that will improve balance, increase agility, and develop muscle tone.
Classes: Most recreation centers offer low-impact exercise classes for seniors that improve balance, movement, cardio, and strength. Tai Chi had become popular for seniors, with its gentle movements that promote strength, balance and stability.
Editors Note: This article was submitted by Cindy Lind, O.T.R., Director of Rehabilitation Services at Shalom Cares. She can be reached at 303-680-5000. For more information, visit www.ShalomCares.org.
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Stay Safe with These Essential Fall Precautions: Falls Can Happen to Anyone, Anywhere, Anytime
What do Richard Simmons and Bob Saget have in common? The curly-haired fitness advocate and comedian, actor, TV host were both household names and they both died as a result of a fall.Over 1 in 4 adults over the age of 65 fall every year, resulting in 3 million annual emergency department admissions. Every 11 seconds an older adult is admitted to the ER, and every 19 minutes an older adult dies from a fall.The reality is that falls can strike anyone, anywhere, at any time. Here are some essential fall precautions to help you stay safe and reduce your risk.Assess Your Health FactorsIn order to prevent falls, first you need to evaluate how likely you are to suffer one. Older adults are particularly susceptible due to impaired vision, chronic conditions that affect mobility, weakened muscles or certain medications. If you or a loved one fall into any of these categories, that puts you more at risk for a fall, speak with a care provider to see if they can address any of these conditions to reduce your risk.Address Your Mobility ConcernsIf you or a loved one struggles to move around freely, dont hesitate to utilize assistive devices. Walkers and canes are affordable solutions to mobility impairment, while shower chairs or bed rails can help you with some of the most routine parts of the day. Appropriate footwear can be another easy solution to mobility concerns. Buy socks with grip on the bottom or shoes that can be easily slipped on and worn around the house to avoid the possibility of slipping and sliding on hardwood floors.Accident-Proof Your HomeAccident-proofing is the most easily controllable method of fall prevention. While falls can happen anywhere, theyre most likely to occur where you spend the most timeat home. With that in mind, you can make your home safer by doing the following: Clearing clutter on the floor and stairs Making sure hallways and stairways are well-lit Securing rugs and other floor coverings with non-slip adhesives Keeping everyday items in easily accessible places that dont require much bending or climbingAsk for HelpYou dont have to tackle fall precautions alone. Numerous professional organizations and experts are ready to provide you with all the additional resources you need. The National Council on Aging and local Area Agencies on Aging, for instance, are great resources for fall prevention. SYNERGY HomeCare also offers a comprehensive Fall Prevention Guide and can provide a free in-home assessment with a professional caregiver who can come to your home and identify its biggest risks. SYNERGY HomeCare can also provide you with an around-the-clock team of professional caregivers who are trained to provide much-needed respite care when aging-related difficulties arise. If you have any questions, please contact us at 720-204-5788.
Fall Prevention: Safety Tips for a Secure Home this Autumn
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