FALL SAFETY

In America, there are approximately 31 million people over the age of 65. Each year, approximately 30 percent of this demographic group experience a fall. Between 5 and 10 percent of these falls result in serious injury while 3 to 5 percent result in a bone fracture. After a hip fracture, a person who may have walked independently prior to a fall may require a walker or cane for a portion of time during their recovery. A few people are unable to return to their prior level of independence and activity. Several factors contribute to the mechanism of falling; however, simple changes to the home environment, or how the individual relates to it, may significantly reduce the risk of a fall.

The following environmental hazards and client behaviors contribute to an individual’s risk of falling:

These are only some of the multiple factors that contribute to an elderly persons predisposition to falling. Hands 2 Help, LLC provides a free home care assessment. During this visit, a registered nurse identifies potential fall hazards and provides recommendations. Prior to their first assignment, Hands 2 Help, LLC employees receive supplementary training to prepare them to work in a person’s home. This includes identifying client behaviors or pre-dispositions that place them a risk for a future fall, and an evaluation of their client transfer technique.

FOR INFORMATION CALL 587-4601 or 1-888-442-4601