injury prevention program preventing falls. northwest washington indian health board non-profit...
TRANSCRIPT
Injury Prevention Program
Preventing Falls
Northwest Washington Indian Health Board
Non-profit organization Governed by representatives
from 5 tribes: Lummi, Nooksack, Upper Skagit, Samish and Swinomish
We have four programs: Environmental Health, Injury Prevention, Healthy Heart and Diabetes Program
Northwest Washington Indian Health Board
Injury Prevention Program is funded by the I.H.S. TIPCAP
What YOU can do to
Prevent Falls
Preventing
Falls
Many falls can be prevented
By making simple changes, YOU can reduce your risk of falling.
Things you can do to prevent falls
Engage in a regular exercise program
Things you can do to prevent falls
Engage in a regular exercise program
Things you can do to prevent Falls
With your doctor, review the medicines you take.
Use a daily medication management system – Medi-set
Things you can do to prevent falls
Have your vision checked regularly
Things you can do to prevent falls
Make your home free of hazards.
Floors: Look at the floor in each room
When you walk through a room do you have to walk around furniture? Ask someone to move
furniture so your path is clear
Do you have throw rugs on the floor? Remove rugs or use a
non-slip backing so rugs won’t slip.
Stairs and Steps: Look at the stairs you use, both inside & outside.
Are you missing a light over the stairway?
Are the handrails loose or broken?
Is the carpet on the steps loose or torn?
Bedrooms: Look at all your bedrooms
Is the light near the bed hard to reach?
Is the path from your bed to the bathroom dark and or cluttered?
Bathrooms: Look at all your bathrooms.
Is the tub or shower floor slippery?
Do you need some support when you get in and out of the tub or get up from the toilet?
Kitchen: Look at your kitchen and eating area.
Are the things you use often on high shelves?
Avoid using ladders and stools.
Preventing Falls
Get up slowly after you sit or lie down.
Wear shoes both inside and outside the house.
Avoid going barefoot or wearing slippers.
Preventing falls
Use a walker or cane
Preventing Falls
Improve the lighting in your home. Put in brighter bulbs. Fluorescent bulbs are bright and cost less to use.
It’s safest to have uniform lighting in a room. Hang lightweight curtains or shades to reduce glare.
More Safety Tips
Keep emergency numbers in large print near each phone. Dial 911 for emergency.
Use Home medical emergency monitoring – pendants or bracelets
Fire Safety – What you should know
If a fire occurred in your home, would your smoke alarm work?
Fire Safety – Does everyone know what to do in case of a
fire?
Practice Fire Drills at home.
Fire Safety - Cooking
Cooking fires are the leading cause of fire injuries & the third leading cause of fire deaths among older adults.
Call 9-1-1. Do Not try to extinguish the fire
Fire Safety - Smoking
Careless smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths among people aged 65 and older.
Designate an area to smoke. use large non-tip ashtrays
and soak cigarette butts and ashes before discarding.
Never smoke in bed
Fire Safety – Electrical Safety
Don’t overload electrical outlets/circuits
Questions?