In April, 110 experts in falls
prevention from around the country gathered in Washington D.C. for a Falls
Prevention Summit to review and update the 2005 Falls Free® National Action
Plan. The group’s findings will be a
part of the agenda for the 2015 White House Conference on Aging that will be
held this summer. The final 2015 Falls
Free® National Action Plan will be available on the National Council on Aging’s
website later this year.
The Summit highlighted the extent of
the problem that falls present for older adults along with the magnitude of the
injuries when falls do occur. The
statistics show that in adults 65 years and older, 30-40% fall, and of those,
50% age 80 and older fall. Furthermore,
50% of those who have fallen, experience two or more falls a year. Falls account for 700,000 to a million hospitalizations
each year and $34 billion in medical cost.
Falls can be fatal.
The good news is that many of these
falls can be prevented. The Summit’s data
included a National Health Survey published in 2002 that reports 55% of falls
occur at home and another 23% happen near and around a senior’s home. Hazards include things such as electrical
cords and wires in pathways, unsecured throw rugs and loose carpet, inadequate
lighting, slippery floors and clutter. Many
of these obstacles can be addressed without much cost.
Further studies indicate that a fall
home assessment and minor home modifications can reduce falls by almost 60% in
healthy seniors. Among all age groups, simple
home modifications such as installing handrails, edges on steps, improving outside
lighting, bathroom grab bars, and slip resistant surfaces can reduce falls by
25%. For those prone to falls, a home
assessment, OT home visits, and home modifications can reduce the risk of
falling by 36%.
At SYNERGY HomeCare, our professional
caregivers can assist your parent or loved one to live safely and independently
in their own home. We provide
non-medical physical care services such as assistance with daily personal care,
meal preparation, light housekeeping and transportation services.
Source:ncoa.org/assets/files/pdf/center-for-healthy-aging/Falls-Summit-WHCOA-043015.pdf,
National Health Interview Survey, 1997-8 (Kochera, 2002)
SYNERGY HomeCare is one of the most
respected agencies in Central Texas for non-medical home care. With three offices located in the greater Austin
area, we provide senior care, recovery assistance and respite for family
caregivers as well as assist clients dealing with dementia, Alzheimer’s,
arthritis, Parkinson’s and more. Please contact us to discuss our range of options for providing your
family peace of mind with professional home health care.
