Preventing Falls

 
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Introduction

Key Risk Factors

How to Prevent Falls

Prevention Tips

Fall Risk Assessment

Resource Links

Ideas That Work
 - Health Fair
 - Bulletin Article
 - Newsletter Article
 - Presentation
 - Prevention Programs

"Real" Intersection of Systems

Preventing Falls as You Age

References

Ideas That Work

Falls – A Health Fair

Over a four-hour period on a Saturday morning, you could present a “health fair” centered around the topic of falls. Simply ask local organizations that have a stake in the topic (hospitals, long-term-care facilities, physical therapists, home modification equipment providers, etc.) to set up exhibits. The exhibitors should be advised to stay by their exhibits and talk to attendees, and to provide information that attendees could take home.

In addition, speakers could address the group:

  • A doctor could talk about complications of falls in the elderly
  • A physical therapist could discuss possible means of exercise
  • A pharmacist could talk about medications and how they affect balance and gait
  • Fire and public safety officers could talk about home safety
  • Local public health nurses could discuss fall prevention issues

A possible article that you could use to advertise the event in a newsletter or bulletin is below:

Senior Citizens Invited to Attend a Free Event on Preventing Falls

We’ve all heard the story, “I don’t know what happened. I was standing up one second and on the floor the next! I guess I just slipped!” It only takes a second to fall, but it often takes months to recover. Sometimes, a fall can cause such devastating injuries that a people are unable to return to living a pain-free life.

Falls are the single leading cause of unintentional injury for people over the age of 60. But, falls are not just a result of getting older. There are easy ways you can reduce your risk of falling, and actually prevent falls from occurring.

[NAME OF CONGREGATION] will be hosting a free event on [DAY, DATE] from [TIME] at the [LOCATION]. The event will feature:

[LIST]

Registration for the event is not necessary. For more information, please contact [CONTACT INFORMATION]