As we approach Falls Prevention Week 2024 (23rd September to 27th September), our team at Braeburn Care are keen to participate in raising awareness and helping older adults reduce their risk of falling.
This year’s theme, “From Awareness to Action”, underlines a critical message: falls are not a normal part of ageing, and most can be prevented. Whether you are an older adult, a Care Professional, or someone in the community, taking steps now can prevent falls in the future.
Why Fall Prevention Matters
Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among older adults, and while they can happen to anyone, certain factors increase the risk as we age. However, it’s essential to remember that falling is not inevitable. Falls can result in serious injuries such as fractures, head trauma, and long-term mobility issues, which can reduce independence and overall quality of life. But, with a few preventive measures, older adults can greatly reduce their risk of falling.
Key Risk Factors for Falls
While age itself is not the cause of falls, certain factors that tend to come with ageing can contribute. These include:
- Poor balance and muscle weakness
- Vision problems
- Medication side effects
- Chronic health conditions (e.g. arthritis, heart disease)
- Additionally, hazards in the home (e.g. loose rugs, poor lighting)
Identifying these risks is the first step towards prevention, but awareness alone is not enough. Falls Prevention Week 2024 calls on everyone to move from simply knowing the risks to taking action.
5 Actionable Steps to Prevent Falls
- Stay Active and Exercise; Regular exercise strengthens muscles and improves balance. Simple activities like walking, swimming, and yoga can significantly reduce the risk of falling.
- Review Medications; Certain medications can cause dizziness or drowsiness. Make sure to regularly review prescriptions with your healthcare provider to minimise fall risks.
- Vision and Hearing Checks; Impaired vision and hearing can lead to falls. Routine eye and hearing tests are vital to ensure that any corrective actions are taken.
- Fall-Proof Your Home; Ensure that your home is free of tripping hazards. Remove loose rugs, improve lighting, and install grab bars in bathrooms to make your living space safer.
- Wear Proper Footwear; Shoes with non-slip soles can prevent falls. Avoid walking barefoot or wearing slippers that can cause you to trip.
How Braeburn Care Can Help
As a domiciliary care company, we understand the importance of creating a supportive environment for our customers. Whether it’s helping with exercises, ensuring mobility aids are requested, or safeguarding your home to be fall-proof, Care Professionals play a vital role in falls prevention. By working together, we can help older adults remain independent and reduce their risk of injury.
Join us in spreading the word about Falls Prevention Week 2024. Whether you’re sharing this post with your loved ones or participating in local events, your actions can make a difference. Help us move from awareness to action this year! By embracing this theme, we hope to inspire positive changes that lead to fewer falls and a safer, healthier future for older adults. Together, we can turn awareness into meaningful action and empower older adults to live confidently and safely.
