April Falls Day starts month of awareness
- Be active everyday
- Keep your house free from clutter, mats and cords that may cause tripping.
- Ensure that you have adequate lighting in all areas.
- Lower the clothes line so you are not hanging washing above your head.
- Install grab rails for stairs and in the bathroom and toilet.
- Non-slip mats are also very valuable in wet shower and bathroom areas.
- Make sure your footwear is comfortable, well fitting, low heeled, with a non-slip sole.
- Use walking aids if you require them.
- Have regular eyechecks and wear your distance glasses for walking.
- Sit on the edge of the bed before you get up to get your balance. Consult your GP if you are feeling dizzy – it may be caused by your medications.
15 April 2010
The Lower Mid North Coast Community Forum on Health is helping raise awareness of falls by encouraging older community members to consider ways of remaining physically active to reduce the risk of a fall.
An initiative of NSW Health’s Clinical Excellence Commission, April Falls Day was held on April 1, to highlight the importance of preventing falls in the community. The LMNC Community Forum on Health would like the community to continue thinking about falls prevention for all of April.
Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospital admissions in people aged 65 years and over. After being admitted to hospital, people are often unable to return to their own home, and therefore may need to live in residential aged care.
LMNC Community Forum on Health member Phil Webster said contrary to popular belief, falling over as you get older is not inevitable.
"With the right prevention, older people can continue to live independently at home," Phil Webster said. "It is very important you stay active and participate in exercise that challenges your balance and makes your legs stronger," Phil Webster said.
"The reason for doing these exercises is to make everyday tasks easier to do - whether it be carrying a two litre container of milk, picking out a pesky weed from the garden or being able to get out of a chair.
"There are some simple steps that can be taken to protect yourself from the risk of having a fall and an injury," Phil Webster said.
Keeping active and living independent by:
"If you are unsure of the changes you may need to make to your home - or if you have already had a fall - there are a number of health professionals who are available to help you.
"Your pharmacist, local GP, aged care professional or community nurse can provide you with information on what you can do to keep active and healthy and living for as long as possible in your own home."
Contact: Janelle Kelly
Phone: 4939 2602