The document discusses fall prevention and home safety, highlighting that falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury death among those aged 65 and older. It provides insights on how falls occur, tips for preventing falls at home, and emphasizes the importance of safety measures like vision checks, medication reviews, and home adjustments. Additionally, it promotes the use of medical alert systems to enhance independent living and the chances of recovery after a fall.

1. Fall Prevention & Home Safety Presented by Carolyn Steinberg Bay Alarm Medical

2. Fall Prevention & Home Safety Why Fall Prevention? How do Falls happen? Facts about Falls Fall Prevention Tips In Home Safety Tips Prevention Resources Making YOU Safer

3. Why Fall Prevention? Leading cause of unintentional injury death among residents 65+ Affects more 65+ people than stroke or heart attack 60% of all falls take place in the home CAN be prevented through EDUCATION

4. How Do Falls Happen? Accidents and the environment cause 43% of all falls Loss of balance & dizziness cause 30% of all falls Dehydration and poor nutrition Medication “mixing” (Source: Summary of 12 different studies nationwide M. Zernicke, AAA, 2000)

5. Facts about Falls 95% of hip fractures result from a fall 40% of those who fall are unable to return to independent living, 20% will pass away within the year 2 - 3 times more likely to fall again Chronic medical conditions can increase risk ( cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and Parkinson’s )

6. There is GOOD NEWS! Many Falls Can Be PREVENTED!

7. Fall Prevention Tips Have your Vision Checked Annual eye exams Confirm glasses best suit your needs Review your Medications with your Doctor As you age, medicines you use may affect you differently Understand how medicine combos can affect you

8. Fall Prevention Tips Begin Regular Exercise Ask your Doctor what is right for YOU Home video’s “Sit and Be Fit” (PBS) Senior Center Activities Make Your Home Safer Perform simple steps in your home to reduce your risk of falling

9. In-Home Safety Tips Making Your Home Safe: Remove clutter Remove small throw rugs Grab bars in the restrooms

10. In-Home Safety Tips Wear non-slip socks or shoes inside and outside to avoid slipping Improve lighting In-home safety inspections

11. Prevention Resources In Home Safety Inspections Local Senior Centers ‘ Sit & Be Fit’ (video/PBS) Area Council on Aging Local Pharmacist Communicate with a “Buddy”

12. Making YOU Safer Medical Alert Systems 24/7 Access to Emergency Medical Response with touch of a button Proven to increase independent living upwards of 6 years!! Seniors receiving care in the first hour following a fall or an emergency have a 90% chance of returning home and avoid having to move to a long-term care facility.

13. Stay Safe……….. and Continue To Live Life Independently! Thank you! Carolyn Steinberg Account Manager Bay Alarm Medical 408-426-6105 [email_address]