SEPTEMBER IS FALL PREVENTION AWARENESS MONTH AND WE ARE DOING WHAT WE CAN TO PROMOTE IT
Why Focus on Falls?
Falls remain the leading cause of injury and death for older Americans. Falls threaten seniors’ safety and independence and generate enormous economic and personal costs.
Falls remain the leading cause of injury and death for older Americans. Falls threaten seniors’ safety and independence and generate enormous economic and personal costs.
- One-fourth of Americans aged 65+ falls each year
- Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall; every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall
- Falls result in more than 2.8 million injuries treated in emergency departments annually, including over 800,000 hospitalizations and more than 27,700 deaths
- Adjusted for inflation, the annual direct medical costs for fall injuries are $31 billion. Hospital costs account for two-thirds of the total
- By 2020, the annual direct and indirect cost of fall injuries is expected to reach $67.7 billion
- In addition to pain and suffering, and the high cost of rehabilitation, 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, often self-limit activities and social engagements. Resulting limitations can result in further physical decline, depression, social isolation, and feelings of helplessness
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PRIZES!
On August 1, 2019, a 30 minute online in-service, "Understanding Falls in the Home", will be assigned to fieldworkers through the Relias Learning Management System. It is voluntary (unpaid), but anyone who completes the course before September (by August 31, 2019) will have their name entered into a raffle for various prizes! Click the button below and then make sure to select the "FALL PREVENTION AWARENESS - Voluntary" training plan.
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Falling is something normal that happens as patients get older.
Reality: Falling is not a normal part of aging. Strength and balance exercises, managing medications, having vision checked and making the living environment safer are all steps can be taken to prevent a fall.
Reality: Falling is not a normal part of aging. Strength and balance exercises, managing medications, having vision checked and making the living environment safer are all steps can be taken to prevent a fall.
If you limit your patient's activity, he or she won't fall.
Reality: Performing physical activities actually helps patients stay independent, as their strength and range of motion benefit from remaining active. Social activities are also good for patients' overall health.
Reality: Performing physical activities actually helps patients stay independent, as their strength and range of motion benefit from remaining active. Social activities are also good for patients' overall health.
If patients stay at home, they can avoid falling.
Reality: Over half of all falls take place at home. Point out simple but serious hazards such as clutter, throw rugs, and poor lighting.
Reality: Over half of all falls take place at home. Point out simple but serious hazards such as clutter, throw rugs, and poor lighting.
Muscle strength and flexibility can't be regained.
Reality: While everyone loses muscle as they age, exercise can partially restore strength and flexibility. Becoming active helps protect from falls.
Reality: While everyone loses muscle as they age, exercise can partially restore strength and flexibility. Becoming active helps protect from falls.
When your patient is in bed, you don't have to worry about falls.
Reality: Data shows that most patient falls happen when the patient is getting in or out of bed.
Reality: Data shows that most patient falls happen when the patient is getting in or out of bed.
Falls Prevention
How to prevent falls and falls-related injuries
How to prevent falls and falls-related injuries
- Ensure the items that the patient frequently uses (e.g., glasses, walkers, etc.) are within easy reach
- Ensure rooms and pathways are free from unnecessary clutter
- Clean up spills immediately
- Keep areas well lit
- Encourage patients to call on you before getting in and out of bed, up from chair/toilet, etc. unassisted
- Stay attentive!