Seniors living with changes in vision, strength and balance can develop a greater risk of falling. Falls also result from fainting, due to cardiac or blood pressure problems, or other medical conditions. Because of severe injuries often caused by falls, Country Meadows Retirement Communities has long prioritized preventing them, while keeping seniors safely active.
Perhaps surprisingly, seniors in independent living, assisted living and personal care find that movement may be their best defense against falling. In fact, inactivity, often due to fear of falling, actually increases risk by gradually reducing strength, balance and endurance.
Over a year’s time, 2.5 million older people are treated in emergency departments for fall injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Furthermore, the National Council on the Aging reports that of adults over 65 who fall, 25-30 percent suffer a severe injury, such as a hip fracture or head trauma.
Dedicated to reducing falls
Last year, Country Meadows created a falls prevention initiative with the goal of reducing falls by 10 percent at each campus. This multidisciplinary initiative is led by staff in therapy services, fitness, safety and nursing. The program encourages employees to report changes they observe in residents, like confusion and difficulty with standing or walking.
Upon review of a case, the interdepartmental team may recommend an assessment—say, for cardiac or balance issues—to evaluate a resident for risk and possible treatment. That could mean a change in medication, therapy to strengthen muscles or improve balance, fitness exercises or adaptive devices. Some residents improve their balance and mobility with non-traditional approaches like instruction in Wii balance or tai chi.
Standing up to prevent falls and enjoy more activities
For many seniors, the key to preventing falls is to improve their “sit-to-stand” skills. “When seniors are confident in their ability to make that transition from sitting to standing, they are more likely to participate in everything from bus trips to movies and even exercise classes,” says Kim Eichinger, executive director of fitness at Country Meadows.
The Country Meadows fitness team has even taken a “Stand Up to Stop Falls” program on the road with public demonstrations at community health fairs and other events. Seniors in the community can then learn the same vital skills acquired by residents in our senior retirement homes.
Decreasing winter risks
Seniors are at increased risk of falling when traveling outdoors during wintry weather. So, we have prepared these winter safety tips to help our residents, particularly those in our senior apartments and independent living retirement community, prevent slips and falls.
Regardless of the season, we invite you to contact us to learn more about Country Meadows and tour any of our senior living homes. If you are looking for a Pennsylvania or Maryland retirement home, we would be happy to introduce you to the services that Country Meadows offers you or your loved one.
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