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Welcome to the Senior Resource Connect blog. You can visit the blog each Wednesday at 10am for the latest information about aging, caregiving, COVID, and local resources.

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Don’t Fall this Fall!

Can you feel it in the air? After a hot, muggy summer, it’s finally almost fall! Monday (September 22) is the Autumn Equinox, also known as the official first day of fall. Did you know that the first day of autumn/fall is also Fall Prevention Awareness Day? 1 in 4 people age 65+ in America fall each year, which can result in health complications, hospitalizations, and even deaths. Today’s blog will focus on the five P’s of fall prevention and highlight local resources. 

The Five P’s of Fall Prevention 

  • Pain- are you or your loved one experiencing pain?Pain, especially intense pain, can affect the older adult’s mobility and balance.  
    • Medication, including some pain medication, can cause negative side effects that may increase the risk of falls.  
  • Personal Needs– have you/your loved one recently used the bathroom or taken care of other personal care needs? 
    • If an older adult needs to get up, especially in the middle of the night to use the bathroom or get a glass of water, there’s a high chance that they’ll fall due to a number of factors (e.g., not being able to see obstacles, etc.). 
  • Position– are you or your loved one in a comfortable position? 
    • If you’re caring for a loved one, help them find a comfortable position so they do not fall out of bed. 
    • If you live alone, are there grab bars or other devices that allow you to reposition yourself safely?  
  • Placement– do you or your loved one have important items (e.g., cell phone) within arm’s reach? 
    • If an older adult is at risk of falling, they could become injured if they try to get up by themselves to grab something they want (e.g., tv remote control, reading glasses, trash can, etc.). 
    • Are there cords, rugs, or other tripping hazards close by?  
  • Prevent Falls– provide person-centered care 
    • Check in with a loved in in your care before leaving a room. Ask them if they need anything.  

 

Fall Prevention Resources