FALL FACTS
The best type of footwear to prevent falls (should be worn inside and outside the house).
Sneakers/Tennis Shoes
A fall only counts if you hit the ground
False
The most common place that people fall in their home
Bathroom
A device that you can push to contact EMS if you have fallen at home
Life Alert
An activity you should do at least 3x per week to stay active
Exercise!
Weakness in this part of the body can increase the chances of falling.
Lower Body
If your are worried about falling or afraid to fall you are at higher risk of falling.
True
The most common place that people fall in the community
Parking Lots/Parking Curbs
A device that is newer technology that has an automatic fall detector that will alert EMS and family members that you have fallen
Apple Watch
You can speak to your doctor or pharmacist regarding this
Medications
The most common time of day that people fall
The evening (fatigue, urinary frequency)
People who fall once but are not injured, are at a greater risk of another fall
True
These are offered to customers at grocery stores to make shopping in the community more accessible
Electric Grocery Cart/Scooter
What adaptive equipment could you use to pick something up off the floor or from above your head?
A reacher/grabber
You need this to be able to see obstacles and maintain your balance and should have it checked at least annually
Vision
Having ____ blood pressure can increase your chances of falling.
Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
Falls are a normal part of aging
False
When at the doctors office or out in the community what is a consideration that could increase your fall risk when performing sit to stands?
The chair height
Adding this piece of equipment to the walls in your bathroom (near the tub and shower) will help prevent falls
Grab Bars
A thin/movable comfortable type of flooring that could cause you to fall. You should not walk over them if you have a gait deviation or use an assistive device.
Throw rugs!
Every ___ seconds an older adult is receiving care in the ED for a fall
11
Using furniture to help steady you can improve your gait
False
Percentage of fall that occur in the home
60% (30% in community, 10% in healthcare settings)
You may need this piece of equipment if you find yourself "furniture crawling"
Assistive Device (cane, walker, walking stick, etc.)
Part of the body that can effect the vestibular system/balance that should be checked at least once a year.
Ear/Hearing