Make Falls Prevention Awareness Day Count with Your Care Team!

You may be wondering how prevalent fall-related issues are and how you can help keep clients safer. Senior Caregiver Training Advisor,
Cassie Grimm, has the info!

Today marks the annual Falls Prevention Awareness Day which, according to the National Council on Aging, aims to raise awareness about how to prevent fall-related injuries among older adults. In the Know encourages you to honor this day by reviewing fall prevention and safety measures with your care team.

You may be wondering how prevalent fall-related issues are and how you can help keep clients safer. Senior Caregiver Training Advisor, Cassie Grimm, has the info!

The Hard Facts about Falls

Did you know that 1 in 4 Americans aged 65+ will fall each year? Falls are currently the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries in older adults. Even in homecare which is often considered a safer and happier environment for seniors €“ falls are a major issue. In fact, each year, millions of older people experience falls in their homes. And just one fall will double their chances of falling again.

Understanding Fall Risk Factors

Many factors contribute to falls including age-related, medical-related, and environmental risk factors. As we age, muscle strength gradually decreases, reflexes begin to slow, vision and hearing can diminish, and forgetfulness can become a problem. Additionally, many diseases and disorders such as Parkinson’s and arthritis put patients at risk for falls. By understanding how these factors affect your clients’ risk of falls, you can become better equipped to assist with fall prevention.

Tips for Preventing Falls

• Using assistive devices safely can be a great help in preventing falls. However, canes, walkers, and wheelchairs cannot prevent falls if they are not in good working condition. Be sure to check that all clients’ assistive devices are in good shape and functioning properly.
• When you begin caring for a new client, ask your supervisor about the fall risk factor.
• Encourage your clients to stay as active as possible and to get some type of daily exercise and stretching €“ flexibility helps prevent fall-related injuries!
• Ensure that new clients are familiar with their environment, including the location of bathrooms, light switches, and (if in a facility) the call bell.
• If necessary, help your clients move from a sitting to a standing position or when getting in and out of bed.

(You can find additional information and many more tips in our “Understanding Fall Risk Factors” course!)

Make Training a Priority!

Caregivers who receive regular training on fall prevention, safety, and other crucial topics provide higher-quality care and are better equipped to prevent falls. Luckily, In the Know can help with training! With over 170+ unique courses and an interactive, user-friendly delivery method, E-learning with In the Know makes training a breeze.

For more information on creating a culture of safety and course recommendations to help you meet your safety goals, download our latest free report here.

Want more information?

To learn more about e-learning with In the Know, contact Cassie today for a quote, or schedule a demo of the platform with her!