The American Trauma Society, Pennsylvania Division (ATSPA) is celebrating Falls Prevention Awareness Week, September 18-24, 2022, by sharing tips for older Pennsylvanians to prevent falls. The 2022 theme, ‘Strengthening Community Connections in Falls Prevention’, shows that prevention is a team effort.
“Everyone has a role to play to reduce falls risk,” said ATSPA CEO, Krista Brands. “Look beyond your immediate friends and family to prevent injury.”
From medication and vision impairment to poor lighting and chronic conditions, there are many factors to keep an eye on. That’s why having a team to help spot and address fall risks is helpful. Each area of the community has a role to play in helping to prevent injury.
- Family and Friends – Family and friends provide extra hands/eyes to check and rid your home of fall hazards. They can also join you during doctor visits to help ask questions and gather information about injury prevention
- Doctors – Your regular doctor knows your medical history and manages chronic (ongoing) illness like diabetes and arthritis. Tell your doctor if you’ve fallen recently, feel unsteady on your feet, or are worried about falling
- Pharmacists – When you pick up your medications, use the opportunity to get counseled about any side effects you’re experiencing, and any changes in the medications you’re taking. Some medications have bad interactions, your pharmacist will be able to tell you about this.
- Occupational/Physical Therapists (OT/PT) – OT can ensure your assistive devices fit your needs and assess your home to identify hazards to be eliminated and modifications that can prevent falls. PT can work with you to improve balance, strength, and mobility to prevent falls and can help address the reasons you may be feeling unsteady
- Local Senior Center – Senior centers are a trusted community hub for health and fitness programs to encourage exercise and movement.
- Local Hardware Store – They have supplies and materials needed to make your home safe and comfortable, such as grab bars, a hand-held shower head, nightlights and lightbulbs for brighter light, and nonslip pads for your rugs.
- Faith-based/community organization(s) – Faith and community leaders are trusted sources of important information and can connect you to resources to address your needs, especially when it comes to your health.
The American Trauma Society, Pennsylvania Division (ATSPA) is a non-profit organization committed to trauma prevention and mitigation through education and advocacy. Our work includes providing presentations and educational materials on many trauma prevention topics, including concussions, water safety, senior falls, bike safety, traffic safety and much more.
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