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

Sample Newsletter Article –
“Had a Fall? It May Not Have Been an Accident”

It may have been said by your mother, your neighbor, or yourself, “I have no clue how I fell. One minute I was going into the kitchen, and then next minute found myself on the floor! Just a slip … I’m sure it won’t happen again.”

While falls happen quickly, it can take quite a lot of time, pain and rehabilitation to recover. Falls are often the cause of extended injury for individuals – especially for seniors. In fact, falls are the single leading cause of unintentional injury for people over the age of 60.

There are some easy things you can do to prevent falls for yourself or those you love:

1. Get regular exercise.
   Exercise is one of the most important ways to reduce the chances of falling. But, before starting an exercise program, ask your doctor or health care worker about the best type of exercise program for you.
2. Make your home safer.
   – Remove things you can trip over (such as papers, books, clothes, and shoes) from stairs and places where you walk.
   – Remove small throw rugs or use double-sided tape to keep the rugs from slipping.
   – Keep items you use often in cabinets you can reach easily without using a step stool.
   – Have grab bars put in next to your toilet and in the tub or shower.
   – Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors.
   – Improve the lighting in your home. As you get older, you need brighter lights to see well. Lamp shades or frosted bulbs can reduce glare.
   – Have handrails and lights put in on all staircases.
   – Wear shoes that give good support and have thin non-slip soles. Avoid wearing slippers and athletic shoes with deep treads.
3. Review medicines.
   Have your doctor or pharmacist look at all the medicines you take (including ones that don’t need prescriptions such as cold medicines). As you get older, the way some medicines work in your body can change. Some medicines, or combinations of medicines, can make you drowsy or light-headed and can lead to a fall.
4. Have your vision checked.
   Have your eyes checked. Wrong glasses or eye diseases (such as glaucoma or cataracts) can limit vision and contribute to falls.