FRANCISCAN CARE CENTER, a leading skilled nursing community in Ohio, is deeply committed to the well-being of their residents.
They understand that while seniors often embrace life with remarkable resilience, ensuring their safety and independence remains paramount. Among the most significant concerns for older adults are falls–a prevalent issue that impacts not only physical health but also overall quality of life and confidence.
A common misconception Franciscan Care Center actively works to address is falls are an inevitable part of aging. The goal at the Franciscan Care Center is to provide education and expertise on senior issues. By offering insights and practical strategies to empower seniors and their caregivers in creating safer environments and enhancing physical stability, falls can be prevented.
Why the focus on falls? Understand the impact
According to the CDC, one in four Americans aged 65 and older fall each year. This translates to millions of injuries, emergency department visits, and, tragically, tens of thousands of deaths.
Beyond the physical trauma, falls can lead to negative consequences •Loss of independence: A fear of falling can lead to reduced activity, isolation and a decline in functional abilities.
•Increased healthcare costs: Treatment for fall-related injuries can be extensive and expensive, placing a significant burden on individuals and the healthcare system.
•Psychological impact: Falls can erode confidence, lead to anxiety, depression and decreased willingness to engage in daily activities.
At Franciscan Care Center, their ultimate goal is fall prevention. Their skilled rehabilitation team, including physical and occupational therapists, aim to help residents regain strength and mobility if a fall occurs.
Proactive steps: empowering seniors and caregivers The good news is that by taking a proactive and multi-faceted approach fall risk can be significantly reduced.
Key proactive steps to prevent the risk of falls include, open communication, investing in physical wellbeing and in being prepared.
Open communication with healthcare providers
•Medication review: Many medications, especially those for blood pressure, sleep, anxiety and depression, can cause dizziness, drowsiness or impaired balance. Take time to regularly review all medications with a doctor or pharmacist to identify potential side effects and discuss alternatives.
•Vision and hearing checks: Impaired vision (cataracts, glaucoma) and hearing can make it difficult to navigate surroundings. Regular eye exams and hearing tests are crucial.
•Foot health: Foot pain, bunions, corns and ill-fitting shoes can all contribute to unsteady gait. Ensure seniors wear comfortable, supportive and non-skid footwear.
•Underlying medical conditions: Conditions like arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, or neuropathy can impact balance. It’s vital to manage these conditions effectively.
Invest in physical well-being •Regular exercise: Activities can improve strength, balance and flexibility, such as walking, tai chi, yoga or specific fall prevention exercise programs that offer individualized exercise plans like those offered by Franciscan Care Center therapists.
•Assistive devices: For those who need them, walkers and canes, when properly fitted and used, can provide stability. Occupational therapists can provide guidance on the proper selection and effectiveness of using these devices.
Be prepared
•Understanding risk factors: Both seniors and their caregivers should be aware of individual fall risks.
•Emergency plan: In the event of a fall, know how to contact emergency services and consider wearing a medical alert device.
•Hydration and nutrition: Proper hydration and a balanced diet contribute to overall strength and energy, reducing fatigue that can lead to falls.
How Franciscan Care Center can help At Franciscan Care Center, we ingrain holistic approaches to prevent fall prevention in senior care.
•Comprehensive assessments: Upon admission, each resident undergoes a thorough fall risk assessment, allowing us to tailor individualized care plans.
•Specialized rehabilitation programs: Our skilled physical and occupational therapists provide targeted interventions to improve strength, balance, gait and coordination.
•Environmental safety: Our facility is designed with senior safety in mind, featuring non-slip flooring, grab bars and accessible layouts.
•Staff training: Our dedicated team receives ongoing training in fall prevention strategies and emergency response.
•Education and support: We actively engage with residents and their families, providing education and resources to empower them in fall prevention efforts.
Falls don’t have to be an inevitable part of aging.
When seniors embrace preventative measures they not only maintain their independence and quality of life but can thrive with confidence and safety. ✲
