Welcome to: Watch Your Step!

1. Welcome to:Watch Your Step! Brought to you by: Kayla Brittney, Austin & Corinne

2. What’s the Problem? • More than one third of adults 65 and older fall each year in the United States • Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths in older adults • They are also the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions for trauma • 20-30% of people who fall suffer moderate to severe injuries such as bruises, hip fractures or head traumas; making it hard to get around and limiting independent living (CDC).

3. Importance of Exercise • Regular exercise helps keep you strong and improves muscle tone. • It also helps keep your joints, tendons, and ligaments flexible. • An inactive lifestyle can cause older adults to lose ground in four areas that are important for staying healthy and independent: strength, balance, flexibility & endurance (NIH).

4. Medications • Different types can have various effects on balance and alertness. • As you get older, the way medicines work in your body can change. • Seniors who take four or more medications may be two to three times more likely to be injured due to a fall than those using less medication

5. Other Misc. Factors Have your vision & hearing tested: Be safe, take your time: Always stand up slowly after eating, lying down or resting; getting up too quickly can cause your blood pressure to drop which can make you feel faint. Use a cane, walking stick or walker to help you feel steadier when you walk. This is very important when you’re walking in areas you don’t know. • At least once a year • Small changes in sight and hearing can make you less stable • If you order new glasses, take time to get used to them & wear them when you should • If you need a hearing aid, be sure it fits well

6. Fall Hazards in the Home

7. Walkways Potential Hazards: Recommendations: Move furniture to create a clear and safe path. Remove the rugs or use double sided tape &/or a non-slop backing. Pick up objects off floor, keep floor clear of clutter. Coil or place cords/wires next to wall to not trip over them. • Furniture that is too close together and cluttered, blocking or interfering with walkways. • Throw rugs or unsecured floor coverings. • Clutter such as books, towels, shoes, boxes and other misc. objects on the floor. • Exposed wires or cords like lamp, telephone or extension cords.

8. Stairs & Steps Potential Hazards: Recommendations: Always keep objects off the stairs Fix loose or uneven steps Have an electrician put in a light at the top & bottom of stairway Have an electrician put in a light switch at the top & bottom of stairs Fix loose handrails, or install new ones, make sure handrails are on either sides of stairway and that follow entire length of the stairs. • Objects/Clutter on the stairs i.e. books, shoes, etc • Uneven or broken steps • Missing a light over the stairway • Having only one light switch for the stairs (top or bottom) • Unsteady or lack of handrails for the stairs

9. Kitchen Potential Hazards: Recommendations: Move frequently used items to lower shelves, preferably near waist level. Use a step stool with a bar to hold onto; never use a chair or unsteady stool • Frequently used items stored on high shelves • Using a unsteady stool, chair or ladder

10. Bathroom Potential Hazards: Recommendations: Use a non-slip rubber mat or self-stick strips on the floor of tub or shower Have a carpenter put grab bars inside and outside of the tub and next to toilet • Having a slippery tub or shower floor • Lack of support or items to grab onto when getting in and out of tub or up from the toilet

11. Bedrooms Potential Hazards: Recommendations: Place a lamp close to the bed where it’s easy to reach, or have a flashlight nearby Put in a night-light in any dark hallway to see where you’re walking • Lighting near bed is hard to reach • The path from bed to bathroom is poorly lit

12. Other Recommendations: • DON’T wear slippers or socks • DO wear proper footwear, preferably rubber-soled, low-heeled shoes that fully support your feet • DON’T let your home get too cold or hot because it can make your feel dizzy • DO use a fan, drink liquids and keep up with heating/cooling maintenance • DO have a cordless phone near floor in case you fall and cannot get up • DO consider wearing an alarm device that allows emergency help sent to your home at a push of a button • DO be aware and careful if you have a pet in your home

13. Mock-Up RoomScavenger Hunt! Help yourselves to coffee and cakes and feel free to ask any questions!

14. Thank You & Stay Safe!