Falls Prevention Awareness Week is Sept. 20-24

by | Sep 21, 2021 | News | 0 comments

Coastline employees walked around New Bedford’s Brooklawn Park to raise awareness of fall prevention on Sept. 21.

 

September 20th through the 24th is Falls Prevention Awareness Week, a nationwide effort to raise awareness that falls are preventable.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls and fall-related injuries are a major threat to the independence and well-being of older adults. At least one-third of all falls involve environmental hazards in the home. Two-thirds of those who experience a fall will fall again within six months.

 

Who is at risk of falling?

Zoe, Coastline’s resident service dog, joined the walk during Falls Prevention Awareness Week.

A variety of factors can increase your chance of falling. They include:

  • Osteoporosis
  • Age
  • Chronic health conditions
  • Medications
  • Lack of physical activity
  • Muscle weakness, unsteady gait, or balance problems
  • Impaired vision or hearing
  • Environmental hazards

 

How can I prevent falls?

Falls are not a normal part of aging. You can avoid the risk of a fall by taking some of the steps below.

  • Keep pathways clear and get rid of things you could trip over
  • Remove throw rugs and clutter
  • Have adequate lighting in your home
  • Use a nightlight in the bedroom/bathroom/hallways
  • Have regular eye exams and wear prescribed eye wear
  • Keep eye glasses clean
  • Wear appropriate footwear with nonskid surface
  • Put railings on both sides of stairways
  • Always use your assistive devices when ambulating
  • Add color strips to stairs
  • Add grab bars inside and outside your shower and next to the toilet
  • Add non-skid mats or appliques to bathtub/shower
  • Ask your physician or pharmacist to review your medications
  • Keep commonly used items within reach
  • Adjust the height of the bed to make it easy to get in and out
  • Keep oxygen tubing, electrical, and telephone cords out of the way
  • Engage in regular exercise to help maintain muscle and bone strength and improve balance

 

Join Coastline’s Course, ‘Matter of Balance’

Coastline will be offering a FREE online workshop designed to reduce fear of falling and increase strength and flexibility through specific exercises. 

When: Held on Thursdays, Sept. 30 through Nov. 18, from 3 to 5pm.
Where: Online

Register today! Call Rachel Fouts at 774-510-5224.