The statistics are hard to ignore. An older adult falls every single second in the United States. More than 1 in 4 older adults report a fall every year. Every 20 minutes, a fall-related death occurs. But falls are not inevitable. The right tools, exercises, and precautions can significantly reduce risk of falling, and minimize potential issues when a fall occurs.

To address the topic, RVNAhealth hosted Aging and Falls Prevention on December 3rd with Gigi Weiss, MSPT, RVNAhealth Director of Rehabilitation Services, and Melissa Woodhouse, RRT, MOT, OTR/L, CDP, RVNAhealth Director of StayWELL Non-Medical Services — both experts on the topic.

The presentation covered:

Common risk factors for falling – factors such as mobility issues, postural hypotension, medications, and unsafe footwear, plus more.

Proactive steps (anyone can take) to reduce the risk of falls — including regular health checkups; strength, balance and flexibility exercises (including the Otago balance therapy program); and a variety of home safety strategies.

Personal medical alert devices which ensure speedy help upon the occasion of a fall. Without a personal medical alert device, older adults who fall — and cannot get back up — typically lie waiting for help for 2 to 72 hours, whereas a medical alert device can summon immediate help.  Waiting times for help can significantly alter a person’s ability to recover and return to independent living. 

To watch the video presentation or view the slides, please select the appropriate link below:  

Watch Recorded Video Webinar here:
Aging and Falls Prevention Video Webinar – December 2020

View Presentation Slides here:
Aging and Falls Prevention Presentation Slides – December 2020

If you have any questions, please contact marketing@rvnahealth.org or call 203-438-5555.