07/10/2024
What is the #1 cause of injuries and death to persons 65 + ?
Take this self quiz adapted from the National Council on Aging to assess Your risk! If you answered "yes" to one or more of these questions, Home Health can help you!
Falls Prevention Self-Assessment
Question 1
I have fallen in the past year.
- Yes
- No
Why this matters !
Falling in the past year indicates a higher risk of falling again. Home health care, particularly physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT), can help improve balance and strength, provide training on how to navigate safely in the home, and offer strategies to prevent future falls.
Question 2
I use or have been advised to use a cane or walker to get around safely.
- Yes
- No
Why this matters !
Using a cane or walker suggests balance issues that increase fall risk. PT can help improve your walking pattern and strength, while OT can assess your home for safety improvements and provide training on using assistive devices effectively.
Question 3
Sometimes I feel unsteady when I am walking.
- Yes
- No
Why this matters !
Feeling unsteady while walking can indicate balance or strength problems. PT can develop a tailored exercise program to improve your balance and coordination, while OT can suggest modifications to your home to make it safer.
Question 4:
I steady myself by holding onto furniture when walking at home.
- Yes
- No
Why this matters!
Relying on furniture for balance can mean you're at risk of falling. PT can help enhance your balance and gait, and OT can recommend home modifications to reduce the need to grab onto furniture, such as installing grab bars.
Question 5
I am worried about falling.
- Yes
- No
Why this matters !
Fear of falling can lead to decreased activity, which weakens muscles and increases fall risk. PT can build your strength and confidence through guided exercises, and OT can provide practical strategies to help you move safely and confidently in your home.
Question 6
I need to push with my hands to stand up from a chair.
- Yes
- No
Why this matters !
Needing to push up from a chair indicates weak leg muscles, which are crucial for preventing falls. PT can focus on strengthening exercises for your legs, and OT can recommend adaptive equipment to make standing up easier and safer.
Question 7
I have some trouble stepping up onto a curb.
- Yes
- No
Why this matters !
Difficulty stepping up onto a curb suggests issues with leg strength and balance. PT can improve your strength and mobility, making it easier to navigate curbs, while OT can offer strategies and tools to help you manage uneven surfaces safely.
Question 8:
I often have to rush to the toilet.
- Yes
- No
Why this matters!
Rushing to the toilet can lead to hurried, unsteady movements that increase fall risk. PT can help with exercises to improve your speed and stability, while OT can recommend home modifications such as accessible bathroom designs to reduce the need to rush.
# Home Safety Check-Up Tips
*Secure rugs to the floor or remove them altogether*
*Add lighting to keep your home well lit*
*Keep stairs in good repair and add secure railings*
*Install grab bars in the shower*
*Remove clutter from walkways and staircases*
*Wear good shoes inside and outside your home*
*Invest in an emergency button and wear it at all times*
Taking these steps can significantly reduce your risk of falling and ensure a safer living environment. Stay proactive about your health and safety! Ask your doctor for a Home Health Agency Face to Face visit for a referral.
Visit https://www.ncoa.org/ for more safety tips.
We believe every person deserves to age well. That’s why we’re on a path to improve the lives of 40 million older adults by 2030. Learn about the work we do, the people we serve, and why equitable aging matters now more than ever.
