Stand Up To The Fear of Falling

Fall Prevention Strategies

How the Fear of Falling Hurts

As the golden years unfold, older adults often face a silent adversary that can significantly impact their well-being — the fear of falling. This apprehension, though understandable, can have profound consequences on their physical and mental health. Research studies suggest that over a third of older adults report a fear of falling. Within this demographic, an estimated 25% to 50% admit to limiting their activities as a direct response to this fear. Consequently, such restrictions can result in diminished social interaction and physical deconditioning.

The fear of falling is not an irrational concern but rather a natural response to the increased vulnerability that often accompanies aging. As bodies undergo changes in muscle mass, bone density, and sensory perception, the risk of falls naturally rises. In an attempt to avoid potential harm, older adults may limit their activities, leading to a sedentary lifestyle that, paradoxically, exacerbates the very issues they seek to avoid.

Take Control

Falling is not an inevitability.  There are strategies and resources available to reduce risk and increase safety. The most important thing is to be fall-risk aware and use action instead of avoidance. The following are some of our top recommendations:

  • Know your fall risk. A good starting point is the CDC’s “STEADI” program. Their simple fall risk assessment brochure evaluates an individual’s risk for falling and encourages appropriate escalation.
  • Stay up to date on your health and talk to your doctor about fall history and your risk factors. Be sure to review areas such as bone health, vision, foot health and proper shoe wear, any dizziness, and medications and potential side effects.
  • Adherence to an exercise routine is a cornerstone to fall prevention. Exercise not only decreases the incidence of falls but also acts as a deterrent against fall-related injuries. Seniors identified as being at risk of falling should engage in exercise routines meticulously crafted by a health professional (like RVNAhealth’s Rehabilitation team!) to enhance or sustain their balance, strength, and endurance.
  • Home safety is a priority. Home is where a large majority of falls can occur. Slippery bathroom surfaces, poorly lit rooms, clutter, loose rugs or wires on floors are some of the most common fall hazards. Modifications such as improving lighting, securing rugs, decluttering, installing bathroom grab bars, and placing frequently used items at easily reachable levels are all helpful strategies to reduce fall risk.  

RVNAhealth Fall Prevention Resources

RVNAhealth offers a variety of expertise and services that can help address the fear of falling and give you the confidence to keep moving!

  • Rehabilitation Therapies. The Rehabilitation team offers evaluations and physical and vestibular therapy techniques focused on improving balance and strength. Our trained therapists can provide individualized exercise recommendations aimed at reducing the risk of falls, and can also assess the home for safety. Services can be provided in-home upon doctor recommendation or outpatient at our Rehabilitation & Wellness Center in Ridgefield.
  • Exercise. The Rehabilitation & Wellness Center also offers weekly drop-in Balance & Beyond and Strength & Beyond exercise classes aimed at improving strength and stability. In 2023 the RVNAhealth Parkinson’s Center was also introduced providing expertise in exercise and fall prevention specific to Parkinson’s disease patients.
  • Personal Medical Alert equipment. RVNAhealth offers Lifeline Personal Medical Alert equipment and service subscriptions, including set up and maintenance, for in-home and/or on-the-go monitoring. Having this service can dramatically speed emergency support in the event of a fall.
  • Private Caregiving Services. Available short or long-term, our StayingWELL hourly and live-in personal caregivers provide non-medical and household assistance to loved ones that need help to remain safe, independent, and confident in their place of residence.
  • Nutrition. RVNAhealth’s Nutrition Services and Registered Dietitian offer one-on-one consultation and individualized nutrition strategies for patients concerned with osteoporosis and bone health, as well as for those dealing with illness or medications that might affect overall strength and stability.
  • Education. RVNAhealth’s Wellness Academy is pleased to offer an ongoing calendar of educational events each month held at our offices or on the road throughout the many towns we serve. We regularly offer classes on fall prevention strategies, bone health, and nutrition education, as well as a popular class called “How to Fall.” We encourage you to check our calendar regularly for updated events!

For more information on any of the above resources, please contact us at 203.438.5555.

We Can’t Do What We Do Without YOU!

RVNAhealth donor giving

For 109 years, RVNAhealth has been a community-based non-profit organization that provides care for people of all ages, from birth through end of life. Today, we serve more than 5,000 people annually across 35+ Connecticut towns, with home healthcare, rehabilitation therapies, palliative and hospice care. Our donor-funded community programs for Chronic Care patients, underinsured children, and first-time, low-income mothers serve those who might not have access to care without our support. Please make a gift to RVNAhealth today and know that every gift – no matter the size – is critical to upholding our mission and sustaining our important work.

Click here to learn more about our commitment to your community and how you can donate to support those who might not otherwise have access to care

Adaptive Equipment on Someone’s Holiday List?

RVNAhealth adaptive equipment recommendations

Okay, so adaptive equipment may not actually be on your loved one’s holiday wish list.  But for those who struggle with strength, mobility, or sensory issues, adaptive equipment can enable independence, enhance quality of life, and boost confidence. So RVNAhealth is here to offer great suggestions that might make someone’s holiday brighter!

Our clinicians are always eager to share suggestions on equipment that can make life easier when it comes to mobility and independence around the home. From kitchen, dressing, bed and bath, to grooming and beauty aids and even clothing — we’ve taken some of our clinicians’ most frequent recommendations and created a new webpage where you can browse these items and link directly through to purchase.

We welcome you to check back frequently as we continue to expand our list of recommended products. If you have questions regarding any of these products or usage, feel free to contact us.

See our RVNAhealth Adaptive Equipment Recommendations here!

Care Made Possible By You

 

December 2023

 

At RVNAhealth, there is the care we deliver. And there are the people we deliver it to. People like Ray. 81 years old. A Bronze Star Vietnam veteran. Key player in The Orchids band. A mainstay in our Chronic Care program. A man of many lives.

 

Meet Ray

Ray is the son of immigrant parents who came to America as teenagers from Campobasso, Italy and worked hard to achieve the American Dream. Ray embraced the life he was given, serving his country in Vietnam and returning to pursue his passion for music with his band, The Orchids.

Ray’s music career was taking off when he was hit by a drunk driver at age 29. He suffered a broken femur, ruptured his spleen, and lost his left eye. Not insignificant injuries. But Ray was young and driven and he didn’t miss a beat. He donned an eye patch, rejoined his band, and returned to tour, across the country and abroad.

At 55, after decades on the road, Ray had a stroke. One of his heart valves was replaced, and a pacemaker put in. A few years later, Ray lost his wife and continued to struggle with ongoing health concerns.

As his health costs grew, Ray had no choice but to sell his home in New Milford and move into subsidized housing to make ends meet. Like many with limited health insurance, Ray was a “frequent flyer” at the local emergency room. Fortunately, the Town of New Milford saw the pattern and recognized that with the right care at home, Ray could maintain his health and avoid distressing and unnecessary hospitalizations.

 

Enter the RVNAhealth Chronic Care Program — and the ‘Cool Cats’

The RVNAhealth Chronic Care Program serves individuals who benefit from an added layer of nursing oversight to maintain stability – keeping an eye on them, their health, and escalating health concerns.

Ray now has a weekly visit from one of two RVNAhealth nurses – Danielle and Donna. Ever the musician, Ray calls them his “cool cats.” And they are.

Every week, they monitor Ray’s vitals, give him a thorough body check, manage his pain medications, and keep an eye on his state of health and well-being. Under their vigilant watch, Ray received same day medical care for pneumonia, when they found him confused and struggling to breathe on a routine nursing visit. Their immediacy prevented hospitalization and further complications. On another occasion, they escalated a severe case of Shingles which was threatening Ray’s working eye. Had Ray not received prompt treatment, he could have gone completely blind.

On any given day, there are 120 patients like Ray in RVNAhealth’s Chronic Care Program — individuals in need of healthcare they couldn’t otherwise afford. For these individuals, the personal relationship and professional care RVNAhealth brings is the difference between staying in the comfort of their own homes or moving into an institutional setting.

 

Where would people like Ray be without us? Where would we be without you?!

For 109 years, RVNAhealth has been a community-based non-proit organization that provides care for people of all ages, from birth through end of life. Today, we serve more than 5,000 people annually across 35+ Connecticut towns, with home healthcare, rehabilitation therapies, palliative and hospice care. Our donor-funded community programs for Chronic Care patients, underinsured children, and first-time, low-income mothers serve those who might not have access to care without our support.

These individuals depend on RVNAhealth to keep them safe and healthy during some of life’s most challenging times. RVNAhealth depends on financial support from individuals like you who believe that healthy communities improve the quality of life for everyone.

Please make a gift to RVNAhealth today and know that every gift — no matter the size — is critical to upholding our mission and sustaining our important work.

With sincere gratitude,

Theresa Santoro, MSN, RN, CHCA

President & CEO

 

P.S. Click here to make your tax-deductible gift to support RVNAhealth.

And remember, a matching gift from your employer will make your gift go twice as far. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.