The National Council on Aging (NCOA) dedicated the week of September 18 – 24 as National Fall Prevention Week. This week is to raise awareness of fall prevention for older adults. Falls are the most common reason for nursing home placement. Although one in three adults over 65 years of age will experience a fall, there are various techniques and actions to prevent or reduce the fall risk.
Facts on FallsIf you know somebody who has experienced a fall, here are some questions to ask:
Fearing a fall can limit everyday activities and increase the risk of depression. The fear of a fall may cause an older adult to have weakened legs from lack of movement, and lead to loneliness and isolation. Use this evaluation tool to see if your member may be at risk for a fall.
Falls are not a part of normal aging. There are simple measures older adults can take to reduce the chance of a fall.
One in four adults admitted to a hospital is malnourished. Malnutrition and dehydration can lead to fatigue, dizziness, loss of muscle mass, and poor judgment, contributing to falls. Fallers are twice as likely to be malnourished.
Many older adults suffer from food insecurity and chronic disease. After a hospitalization, many cannot shop for food or prepare meals. A home-delivered meals program can help to reduce the risk of falls. Home-delivered meals are also a cost-effective solution to keep older adults living independently in their homes and reduce nursing home placements.
To learn more about home-delivered meal programs, download this guide.