Fall Prevention

Fall prevention is something that can help seniors avoid debilitating injuries. Falls and balance problems are a main reason why many older adults lose their independence. In addition to causing a physical injury, falls can impact a person emotionally and socially and can significantly change a person’s quality of life. Unfortunately, the fear of falling often causes older adults to avoid leaving the house, decline social invitations, and miss important family functions. This behavior can lead to feelings of anxiety, loneliness, social isolation, sadness and depression.

Fall Prevention is Needed

Each year, millions of seniors fall. While some falls are not serious, others cause injuries, such as knee and hip fractures, that can take months and years to rehabilitate. Here are some facts about older adult falls:

• Every year, 1 in 3 older adults fall and 1 in 5 sustain a serious injury such as a broken hip, fracture, concussion, and other injuries
• Those who fall once are more likely to fall again
• More than 800,000 people are hospitalized for falls each year
• Recovery from injuries, including hip fractures, can take up to a year in a long-term care facility and many people who fall never go home again

Our Commitment to Fall Prevention 

Falls are usually caused by one or more risk factors. A risk factor is something that increases a persons chances of falling. Risk factors may be linked to a physical condition, a medical problem, or the home environment. Some risk factors for falls in seniors include:

• Arthritis
• Poor eyesight
• Taking multiple medications
• Dehydration
• Lack of grab bars in the bathtub
  
• Lack of non-slip mats in the bathtub and shower floors
• Lack of handrails and lights on staircases

By identifying and addressing risk factors promptly, many falls prevention can be achieved for your senior loved ones.

Elderly fall prevention continues to be a considerable challenge, especially for those who don't use a cane or walker. Our commitment to invest in educating older adults, their families, caregivers, and service providers about ways to reduce falls is crucial for the ongoing quality of life of our client’s.

Download our free "Safe & Steady Fall Prevention Resource Guide" today.

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Each Visiting Angels agency is a franchise that is independently owned and operated. The Franchisor, Living Assistance Services Inc., does not control or manage the day to day business operations of any Visiting Angels franchised agency.