Staying Active & Independent by Avoiding Falls

1. Staying Active & Independent by Avoiding Falls Ray Hammel, DPT, Buffalo Rehab Group Patricia Watson, Supervisor of Case Management Services, Erie County Department of Senior Services

2. Why we’re here

3. Why we’re here • Part of a community-wide effort to reduce falls among older people living in the community

4. Why we’re here • Part of a community-wide effort to reduce falls among older people living in the community • Discuss ways to help people maintain independence & remain active by reducing the risks for falls

5. Game Show Demonstration

6. The names of the two presenters are: Bob and Sandy Ray and Pat Rick and Pam Tom and Sue

7. The names of the two presenters are: Bob and Sandy Ray and Pat Rick and Pam Tom and Sue

8. Why are we concerned about older adults falling?

9. Why are we concerned about older adults falling? Although falls can happen to anyone, among people 65 and older, falls are the leading cause of injury and death, and the risk of falling increases significantly with age – the older you get, the more likely you are to have an accidental fall

10. Game Show Question Of people 65 and older, how many will fall this year? 1 in 10 1 in 6 1 in 3 All of them

11. Game Show Question Of people 65 and older, how many will fall this year? 1 in 10 1 in 6 1 in 3 All of them

12. Exercise Break!

13. Why do older adults fall?

14. Why do older adults fall? • Chronic health conditions

15. Why do older adults fall? • Chronic health conditions • Poor vision or hearing

16. Why do older adults fall? • Chronic health conditions • Poor vision or hearing • Mobility aids (e.g. walker)

17. Why do older adults fall? • Chronic health conditions • Poor vision or hearing • Mobility aids (e.g. walker) • Poor nutrition

18. Why do older adults fall? • Chronic health conditions • Poor vision or hearing • Mobility aids (e.g. walker) • Poor nutrition • Medications dizziness

19. Why do older adults fall? • Chronic health conditions • Poor vision or hearing • Mobility aids (e.g. walker) • Poor nutrition • Medications dizziness • Conditions in the home

20. Why do older adults fall? • Chronic health conditions • Poor vision or hearing • Mobility aids (e.g. walker) • Poor nutrition • Medications dizziness • Conditions in the home • Alcohol

21. Game Show Question True or False: According to research, women are much more likely to be injured in a fall, but men are more likely to die from their injuries from a fall. True False

22. Game Show Question True or False: According to research, women are much more likely to be injured in a fall, but men are more likely to die from their injuries from a fall. True False

23. How do you reduce your risk of falling?

24. How do you reduce your risk of falling? Make your home safer

25. How do you reduce your risk of falling? • Make your home safer • Remove tripping hazards

26. How do you reduce your risk of falling? • Make your home safer • Remove tripping hazards • Stairs: clutter? lighting? broken steps? handrail?

27. How do you reduce your risk of falling? • Make your home safer • Remove tripping hazards • Stairs: clutter? lighting? broken steps? handrail? • Throw rugs

28. How do you reduce your risk of falling? • Make your home safer • Remove tripping hazards • Stairs: clutter? lighting? broken steps? handrail? • Throw rugs • Keep things in easy reach

29. How do you reduce your risk of falling? • Make your home safer • Remove tripping hazards • Stairs: clutter? lighting? broken steps? handrail? • Throw rugs • Keep things in easy reach • Grab bars at toilet, tub or shower

30. How do you reduce your risk of falling? • Make your home safer • Non-slip mat in bathtub/shower

31. How do you reduce your risk of falling? • Make your home safer • Non-slip mat in bathtub/shower • Good lighting – especially from bed to bathroom

32. How do you reduce your risk of falling? • Make your home safer • Non-slip mat in bathtub/shower • Good lighting – especially from bed to bathroom • Avoid walking around in slippers or socks or stockings

33. How do you reduce your risk of falling? • Make your home safer • Non-slip mat in bathtub/shower • Good lighting – especially from bed to bathroom • Avoid walking around in slippers or socks or stockings • Keep flashlight near your bed

34. Game Show Question Additional ideas about reducing hazards around the home?

35. How do you reduce your risk of falling? Make your home safer Review medications

36. Game Show Question How many of you have had your medications reviewed by your doctor or pharmacist in the last 12 months? Red team? Blue team?

37. How do you reduce your risk of falling? Make your home safer Review medications Have your vision checked

38. Game Show Question How many of you have had your vision checked in the last 12 months? Red team? Blue team?

39. How do you reduce your risk of falling? Make your home safer Review medications Have your vision checked Exercise regularly

40. Game Show Question How many of you currently exercise at least 3 times a week? Red team? Blue team?

41. Game Show Question How many of you currently do Tai Chi? Red team? Blue team?

42. Game Show Question How many of you currently drink Chai Tea?

43. Game Show Question How many of you currently drink Chai Tea? (Just kidding)

44. What else can be done to reduce falls???