Live Life Independently TM

Fall Prevention & Home Safety

Presented byCarolyn Steinberg

Bay Alarm Medical

Live Life Independently TM

Fall Prevention & Home Safety

– Why Fall Prevention?– How do Falls happen?– Facts about Falls– Fall Prevention Tips– In Home Safety Tips– Prevention Resources – Making YOU Safer

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Why Fall Prevention?

Leading cause of unintentional injury death among residents 65+

Affects more 65+ people than stroke or heart attack

60% of all falls take place in the home

CAN be prevented through EDUCATION

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How Do Falls Happen?

Accidents and the environment cause 43% of all falls

Loss of balance & dizziness cause 30% of all falls

Dehydration and poor nutrition

Medication “mixing”

(Source: Summary of 12 different studies nationwide M. Zernicke, AAA, 2000)

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Facts about Falls

95% of hip fractures result from a fall

40% of those who fall are unable to return to independent living, 20% will pass away within the year

2 - 3 times more likely to fall again

Chronic medical conditions can increase risk (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and Parkinson’s)

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There is GOOD NEWS!

Many Falls Can Be PREVENTED!

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Fall Prevention Tips

1. Have your Vision Checked• Annual eye exams• Confirm glasses best suit your needs

2. Review your Medications with your Doctor• As you age, medicines you use may affect you differently• Understand how medicine combos can affect you

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Fall Prevention Tips

3. Begin Regular Exercise

• Ask your Doctor what is right for YOU• Home video’s “Sit and Be Fit” (PBS) • Senior Center Activities

4. Make Your Home Safer

• Perform simple steps in your home to reduce your risk of falling

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In-Home Safety Tips

Making Your Home Safe:

• Remove clutter

• Remove small throw rugs

• Grab bars in the restrooms

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In-Home Safety Tips

• Wear non-slip socks or shoes inside and outside to avoid slipping

• Improve lighting

• In-home safety inspections

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Prevention Resources

• In Home Safety Inspections• Local Senior Centers• ‘Sit & Be Fit’ (video/PBS)• Area Council on Aging • Local Pharmacist • Communicate with a

“Buddy”

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Making YOU Safer

Medical Alert Systems• 24/7 Access to Emergency Medical

Response with touch of a button

• Proven to increase independent living

upwards of 6 years!!

• Seniors receiving care in the first hour following a fall or an emergency have a 90% chance of returning home and avoid having to move to a long-term care facility.

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Stay Safe………..and Continue To Live Life

Independently!

Thank you!

Carolyn SteinbergAccount ManagerBay Alarm Medical408-426-6105csteinberg@bayalarmmedical.com