More than one in three people 65 years or older fall at least once a year and aged care residents are even more at risk with up to half of these residents falling at least once a year. The importance of involving carers and patients in falls prevention is highlighted on 1 April, April Falls Day® with the theme – Share the Care: Falls Prevention is everyone’s business®.
Falls prevention activities are planned throughout the Health District during April and are being supported by Health Promotion and the Carer Support Program. These range from morning tea celebrations to information displays and exercise demonstrations. April Falls Day – Share the Care: The Canowindra Community Health Centre is hosting a Falls Prevention Morning Wednesday 6th April 2016 10am-1pm at the Canowindra Services & Citizens Club Hall. It will feature local exercise demonstrations from the Tai Chi & Rehab/Fitness classes, as well as information and display stands focusing on vision, suitable footwear and product aids to assist with falls prevention.
The community is invited along for the opportunity for a free falls/balance assessment from local health professionals. Clinical Excellence Commission, Falls Prevention Program Leader, Lorraine Lovitt said there was a particular focus on staff engaging with carers and patients to prevent falls and keep older people safe. “Carers are an important part of the care team in NSW public hospitals and other health settings,” Ms Lovitt said. Important information carers can share with health workers includes:
• Recent slips, trips or falls
• Changes in memory or thinking at home or in hospital
• Personal habits and history of help support and settle
• Changes in medications
• Personal aids used (glasses, hearing aids, walking sticks)
• Need for assistance with toilet, shower or self-care