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Staying steady during the festive season
22 December 2008
Older community members planning to spend time away from home this holiday season are being encouraged to consider ways of reducing their risk of falls in unfamiliar settings.
Falls are a major cause of injury for older people. They are the leading cause of injury-related hospital admissions in people aged 65 years and over.
Hunter New England Health’s Clinical Leader for Aged Care, Dr John Ward, said older people should ask family members or friends to help them become orientated to new environments.
“Many falls occur in a person’s first few days in a new setting. If older people are able to familiarise themselves with their temporary surrounds, they will have a better knowledge of potential hazards and will be less likely to fall,” Dr Ward said.
Checkpoints during an orientation could include:
Bedsides – remove slippery floor mats or sharp-ended bedside tables
Floor surfaces – particularly slippery or uneven areas
Lighting – all areas should be well lit, particularly near steps or stairs
Bathrooms – Non-slip mats may be installed to help reduce slip risk
Cluttered areas – all living areas should be easy to navigate
Contrary to popular belief, falls are not inevitable and many older people can be prevented from falling. Some risk factors for falls are relatively easy to change and, where falls occur, the severity of injuries can be reduced.
Falls can be prevented by modifying the environment around you, clearing paths and walkways, seeing a doctor regularly to check medical conditions and review treatments, choosing suitable foot wear and addressing vision problems.
“Participating in a range of physical activity and enjoying good nutrition are two key activities that can enable older people to remain independent and productive members of their community,” Dr Ward said.
“Involvement in physical activity across a person’s lifespan is likely to reduce their risk of falling and subsequent fall-related injuries in later years.
“All people over 60 should be doing 30 minutes of aerobic exercise at least four days a week, as well as two weekly sessions of resistance exercise with weights. Balance exercises such as Tai Chi are also valuable.
“We hope everyone enjoys a festive, fun and safe holiday season with family and friends. Following some simple steps to reduce the risk of falls will ensure everyone can celebrate without unexpected injury.”
(HNE-1672)
Contact: Carisa Josephs
Phone: (02) 6767 7135 or 0428 106 183
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