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Falls Prevention Workshop. By Council on Aging, Windsor-Essex County Hotel Dieu Grace Trauma Services Falls Prevention Network 2006. What is a fall???. A fall is the unintentional event where a person came to be on the floor or ground without the feet bearing weight. Smart Risk.
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Falls Prevention Workshop By Council on Aging, Windsor-Essex County Hotel Dieu Grace Trauma Services Falls Prevention Network 2006 Council on Aging, Windsor-Essex County
What is a fall??? A fall is the unintentional event where a person came to be on the floor or ground without the feet bearing weight. Smart Risk Council on Aging, Windsor-Essex County
Fall Statistics • Falls are the #1 leading cause of injury for older adults • Older adults who fall are 3 times more likely to be put into a nursing home ( 5 out of 10 admissions are fall related) • Older adults are 5 times more likely to fall than any other age group • $ 3.2 Billion is spent annually on health care related to falls • 1 in 3 older adults will fall and are more likely to fall again Council on Aging, Windsor-Essex County
How does this relate to me? Local Falls Statistics: 1 in 3 will fall every year, this equates to 14,595 falls each year or 40 falls every day in Windsor-Essex County. In 2000-2001 there were 2776 visits to the 3 ER’s for falls, this equals 7- 8 people everyday. Council on Aging, Windsor-Essex County
Risk Factors for Falling • Personal • Behavioural risks (rushing • Over use and misuse of alcohol • Physical • Functional impairment (poor vision) • Muscle and bones (arthritis) • Environmental • Sidewalks and walkways • Stairs, Homes Council on Aging, Windsor-Essex County
Vicious Fall Cycle Fall 1 Fear of Falling Decreased Activity Increased Risk of Falling Loss of Strength and Mobility 2 4 3 Council on Aging, Windsor-Essex County (Richardson, 1993)
Staying Healthy to Prevent Falls • Medication:Talk to your Doctor or Pharmacist before starting or stopping any prescription, herbal or over the counter medication. • Nutrition:Discuss your diet with your Doctor or dietitian, especially if you have specific dietary needs e.g. diabetic • Exercise: • Helps the digestive system • Maintains good heart function and care • Contributes to deeper sleep Council on Aging, Windsor-Essex County
What to do if You Fall!!! • If you fall at home: • Even if you are not physically injured, you may experience some shock from the fall. It is a smart move to: • Stay still for a few minutes • Think clearly • Decide if you can get up SAFELY or if you need help • Acknowledge any fear and pain • Then sitdown, rest, and tellsomeone you have fallen! • Smart Moves Council on Aging, Windsor-Essex County
Resource Materials and Contributors Stay on Your Feet Sages Program Geriatric Assessment Program Smart Risk Program Home Injury and Fall Prevention Information Kit Council on Aging, Windsor-Essex County
For questions, information, or to book a workshop: The Council on Aging 1168 Drouillard Road Windsor, On N8Y 2R1 Ph: (519) 971-9217 Fax: (519) 971-8789 Or e-mail fallsprevention@councilonaging.ca Council on Aging, Windsor-Essex County