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New web site aims to help elderly and their carers cope with falls
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Philips Medical Systems
: 19 June, 2008 (Company News) |
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In response to the rise in falls among senior citizens Philips Lifeline, makers of the popular personal emergency response system, has launched a website to offer tips and techniques for preventing falls to seniors and caregivers. |
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The web site features four sections, or building blocks, to help prevent falls. These include examining existing medical conditions, reviewing medications for possible interactions, improving strength and balance, and making the home a safe haven.
More than one-third of American seniors fall each year, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, making falls the leading cause of injuries among those 65 and older. Falls account for 25 percent of all hospital stays and 40 percent of all nursing home admissions. Speed of intervention - reducing the amount of time that a senior might spend helpless on the floor - is a key to more successful outcomes and a return to independent living.
'Preventing falls is the key, so making a home safer for anyone at risk for falling is the best place to start,' noted Marc Braunstein with the Falls Program at Philips Lifeline.
According to experts, several factors contribute to a risk of falls. Therefore, it is important for seniors and their families to consider each of the following areas as part of their personal falls reduction plan:
- Conduct a thorough review of the home for safety. Is there enough light to move about safely at night? Are there grab bars located near the toilet and tub or shower?
- Speak with a pharmacist to get a 'medication checkup.' This will help determine what medications might interact and increase the risk of a fall.
- Ask a doctor, physical or occupational therapist if it's time to start a safe exercise and balance program. Tai chi classes, for example, have proven to be an effective and enjoyable way to help prevent falls.
Dorothy Baker, RN PhD, a specialist in fall prevention at Yale University explained, 'As we age, it becomes more difficult to get up from a fall even if there is no injury. Knowing a few simple techniques on the safe way to get up from the floor can be invaluable for seniors to learn.'
Key to getting up from a fall is to take time to relax, gather your bearings and, should help not be readily available, prepare to try and raise yourself slowly and carefully, ideally onto a sturdy piece of furniture or bottom stair that is near.
Complete instructions, as well as a video showing Dr Baker's exact technique, are located on the new web site: http://www.learnnottofall.com/
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