VISITING ANGELS ORLANDO, FLORIDA 407-236-9997
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Falls are the Main Reason Why Many Older Adults Lose Their Independence

You probably know of someone who has suffered a serious injury as a result of a fall. Every year, 1 in 3 people fall and over 800,000 are hospitalized for serious injuries like hip fractures and head traumas.

The Emotional and Social Impact of Falling
Fear of falling again is common after a fall. People who have fallen often hold onto furniture or walls for balance, look down at the floor when walking instead of straight ahead, delay going to the bathroom, getting a drink of water or performing other activities to avoid the possibility of falling again. After a fall, many people avoid going to activities outside the home to reduce their risk of falling. By avoiding social activities, aging adults will miss family functions, seeing grandchildren or connecting with friends. Lack of socialization can cause loneliness, sadness and depression.

Know Your Risk Factors
Falls do not just happen! Usually one or more underlying risk factors contribute to a fall. Risk factors are often linked to a physical condition, a medical problem or the environment.
- Weakness in the legs
- Loss of strength
- Reduced flexibility
- Loss of balance
- Shuffling
- Limited mobility
- Poor eyesight
- Change in hearing
- Chronic pain
- Depression
- Medication issues
- Decreased sensation in the feet
- A fall in the past year
- Dehydration

What Can I Do if I Fall?

If you are hurt or cannot get up on your own, ask someone for help or call 911. If you are alone, try to get into a comfortable position and wait for help to arrive. A sudden fall can be upsetting. If you do fall, try to stay as calm as possible.
1. Take several deep breaths to try to relax.
2. Remain still on the floor or ground for a few moments to get over the initial shock.
3. Decide if you are hurt before getting up. Getting up too quickly or in the wrong way could make an injury worse.

How to get up from a fall:
1. If you think you can get up safely without help, roll over onto your side.
2. Rest again while your body and blood pressure adjust. Slowly get up on your hands and knees, and crawl to a sturdy chair.
3. Put your hands on the chair seat and slide one foot forward so that it is flat on the floor. Keep the other leg bent so the knee is on the floor.
4. From this kneeling position, slowly rise and turn your body to sit in the chair.

Serving Orlando, Maitland, and Winter Park, Florida

Visiting Angels ORLANDO, FLORIDA
2221 Lee Rd #17
Winter Park, FL 32789
Phone: 407-236-9997
Fax: 407-740-8744
299995316

Serving Orlando, Maitland, and Winter Park, Florida

Visiting Angels ORLANDO, FLORIDA
2221 Lee Rd #17
Winter Park, FL 32789
Phone: 407-236-9997
Fax: 407-740-8744
299995316