Tender Loving Care(R) Recognizes Fall Prevention Month

Main Category: Seniors / Aging
Article Date: 02 Nov 2007 - 4:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions   rate article

Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths among older adults and the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries. In fact, more than one third of adults 65 and older fall each year. Because of these alarming statistics, Tender Loving Care® Home Health Care centers are recognizing Fall Prevention Month this November and encouraging seniors and their families to identify ways to reduce their risk of falling.

"While we all experience a fall at some point in our life, the risk of serious injury from a fall is much greater for our senior population. It's important to us to educate our community on ways to prevent these accidents from occurring," said Marie Brewer, RN, vice president of clinical operations for Tender Loving Care® Health Care Services.

With 90 percent of hip fractures in older people being caused by falls and 60 percent of falls among people age 65-plus taking place in the home, Brewer offers tips on how to reduce the risk of falling:

- Stand for a few seconds before walking.

- Wear supportive footwear that fits well.

- Physical therapy can improve balance and strength.

- Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medicines - both prescription and over-the-counter - to reduce side effects and interactions.

- Remove hazards in your home that can lead to falls, such as throw rugs or loose tiles.

- Install grab bars around the shower, tub and toilet.

- Get help to complete chores that require climbing.

According to Brewer, Tender Loving Care® created a national initiative called "Call Me First" which is designed to reduce the risk of falling for their patients, and to reduce their rate of hospitalization. They collaborate with their patient's own physician, as part of their treatment plan, to create a focused home health care plan designed to keep the patient safely in their own home and out of the hospital.

For more information on how to get Medicare-covered home health services that help prevent falls, please visit http://www.tlcathome.com.