Commun ty Matters Topeka Presbyterian Manor
September 2015
Don’t fall for
these myths.
reduce your risk of falling
Many people think falls are a natural part of aging, however, they can be prevented. In honor of National Fall Prevention Month, we’re providing you with tips to decrease your risk. Lori Forck, a regional wellness coordinator for RehabCare, says even a few simple exercises can build up strength where you need it to help keep you balanced and on your feet. “Among people who are 65 and older, one in three will have a fall each year. It’s one of those statistics that I find mind-blowing,” Forck said. The National Council on Aging provides proven fall prevention programs for seniors across the nation. To dispel misconceptions about falls, the council debunks common myths, such as:
Myth 2: If I limit my activity or stay home, I won’t fall. Fact: Staying active will help you remain independent and healthy.
Over half of falls happen at home. Simple changes can prevent them.
Myth 3: Muscle strength and flexibility can’t be regained. Fact: Exercising can help restore strength and flexibility. Myth 4: Taking medication doesn’t increase my risk of falling. Fact: Medications affect each person differently. Be careful when you start a new medication, and call your doctor when you have questions or concerns.
Myth 5: I don’t need to get my vision checked every year. Fact: Vision loss increases your fall risk. Visit your eye doctor and
Myth 1: Falling happens to other
keep your glasses prescription up to date.
people.
Myth 6: Using a walker or cane will make me more dependent.
Fact: 1 in 3 older adults—about
Fact: Assistive devices, such as walkers or canes, can improve your
12 million—fall every year in the U.S.
mobility. Work with a physical therapist to find the right type of device and use it safely. For more information on fall prevention, see page 3.
TAKE NOTE: The Fall Festival scheduled for September has been cancelled.
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We will be thinking about Thanksgiving in an upcoming issue of Community Matters. Does your family have a special recipe that is made each Thanksgiving dinner, one that it’s not Thanksgiving unless it’s on the table? What about a special Thanksgiving tradition? Share your Thanksgiving memories by contacting Activity Director Amber Lopez, and your memories, traditions or recipe may be selected for an upcoming issue of Community Matters.
Don’t you think it’s time to
feel the music?
To submit or suggest articles for this publication, contact Amber Lopez, activity director, at alopez@pmma.org.
Donate headphones, iPods and iTunes cards to Presbyterian Manor’s Music & Memory program for residents. Contact Activity Director Amber Lopez for details. 2
Community Matters September 2015
Fall prevention Q&A September not only marks the beginning of fall, but also National Fall Prevention Month. The Rehab Department hosted a Balance Clinic to help Independent and Assisted Living residents determine their fall risk, and what services could help them prevent falls. We asked Daryn Tracy, Licensed Certified Occupational Therapy Associate, a few questions about the program, and about fall prevention. “All residents who participated in the balance clinic were provided with information about the different skilled therapy options offered here including Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy and indicating factors of each. All residents were informed about different exercise groups and balance programs provided by the facility at no cost and benefits of participating in each,” said Daryn. If residents are at risk of falling, what are your recommendations? “Residents who scored below the national average on any of our three standardized tests were given additional information regarding which services would be most beneficial for them with the goal of keeping them in their apartment and Independent longer.”
Fall prevention is important “Falls are a major threat to the health and independence of older adults and are the leading cause of injury in people aged 65 and older in the United States. The risk of falling increases with age and the most common injuries related to fall include head injuries, wrist fractures, spine fractures and hip fractures. About 30 percent of falls result in hospitalization which greatly decreases one’s independence and ability to remain at home.
Arliss Douglass and Licensed Certified Occupational Therapy Associate Daryn Tracy assess fall prevention risk at a recent Balance Clinic.
Our goal as a therapy team is to assist in keeping our Independent Living and Associated Living residents in their apartment safely for as long as possible.” For information, contact the rehab department at 785-272-6410. Topeka Presbyterian Manor
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Community Matters September 2015