Sept. 22 is the first day of fall this year. It is also the day that the National Council on Aging designates each year as Fall Prevention Awareness Day.*
According to NCOA, falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of non-fatal, trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults. Every 11 seconds an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall; and every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall.
Bent Schoellhorn, an in-home senior services professional with Senior Helpers of Greater Dallas serving the Richardson area, says the importance of fall prevention is made even more urgent by an aging population. More than 40 million Americans are currently age 65 or older, and this number is expected to grow to more than 88 million by 2050.
“If you are an older adult, or are responsible for the care of an older adult, these statistics may be frightening,” Schoellhorn said. “The good news is that many falls are preventable. The following tips from NCOA** are simple to implement and effective in reducing fall hazards for every member of the family.”
Enroll in a balance and exercise program to build balance, strength and flexibility.
Ask healthcare professional for an assessment of your risk for falling.
Review medications with doctor or pharmacist. Side effects can increase fall risk.
Have annual hearing and vision checkups, and keep eyeglass prescriptions up-to-date.
Keep home safe: remove trip hazards, increase lighting levels, install handrails on stairs and grab bars in bathrooms.
Make fall prevention a family affair. Younger family members are at risk, too.
If you are not sure which steps to take to reduce fall hazards in your home, companies like Senior Helpers, one of the nation’s largest home care providers, can help. Local offices nationwide, including Senior Helpers of Greater Dallas serving the Richardson area, provide no-cost, in-home assessments to identify potential fall hazards and other safety issues.
“Our experience with seniors helps us recognize potential hazards that may not be obvious,” said Schoellhorn. “For example, an adult’s shoe size may change with age. A shoe that is too big increases the risk of a fall. Pets can be wonderful companions, but they can also get underfoot, causing a fall.
It’s tempting to reach for a towel rack or sink edge for support, but properly installed railings and grab bars are the safer option. And dementia, because it increases the risk of wandering, also increases the risk of falling. Our goal is to help ensure that loved ones can remain safe and independent at home for as long as possible.”
To schedule a no-cost home assessment, get more tips for preventing falls at home or for more information about dementia and other caregiving services, contact Schoellhorn at 214-361-7943 or bent@seniorhelpers.com or visit http://www.seniorhelpers.com/dallas.
For more information, visit https://www.seniorhelpers.com/.
* https://www.ncoa.org/healthy-aging/falls-prevention/
** https://www.ncoa.org/healthy-aging/falls-prevention/preventing-falls-tips-for-older-adults-and-caregivers/take-control-of-your-health-6-steps-to-prevent-a-fall/
About Senior Helpers® – Senior Helpers is a premier provider of in-home senior services ranging from specialized care for those with diseases such as Alzheimer’s, dementia and Parkinson’s, to personal and companion care for those seeking assistance with daily activities. Founded in 2001 with a vision to help seniors who wish to remain in their homes despite age-related illnesses and mobility challenges, Senior Helpers has 311 franchised businesses that have cared for tens of thousands of seniors with a pledge to provide “care and comfort at a moment’s notice.”