 |
 |
| |
| click here for more information on fall risk reduction |
| |
| |
| Falls Prevention Awareness Day |
| |
| Plans are underway in 20 states to promote falls prevention in conjunction with National Falls Prevention Awareness Day on Sept. 22. These states include Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Maine, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin. In addition, Montana and Alaska are exploring options to participate. |
| |
| Falls Involving Walkers and Canes |
| |
| More than 47,000 Americans aged 65 and older were treated annually in emergency departments for injuries from falls involving walkers and canes, according to a CDC study published in the June issue of the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. Researchers examined emergency department medical records from 2001 to 2006 and found that older adults were seven times more likely to sustain an injury in a fall with a walker than one with a cane. Older women accounted for more than 75 percent of walker-related injuries and 66 percent of cane-related injuries. Judy Stevens, Ph.D., the study's lead author notes, "Walking aids are very important in helping many older adults maintain their mobility. However, it's important to make sure people use these devices safely. Walkers are often used by frail and vulnerable older adults; people for whom falls, if they occur, can have very serious health consequences." The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) urges that elderly adults who use canes and walkers be properly assessed and fitted by a physical therapist to avoid fall-related injuries. A physical therapist can ensure correct use of an appropriate walking aid that it is in proper working condition |
| |
 |
| |
The Caregiver Institute was established in 2008 as a cornerstone education program for Fox GERI. The mission of the Caregiver Institute is to empower the elderly, their family and their caregivers to make well informed health care decisions through high quality educational services. The Caregiver Institute consists of educational workshops, seminars and conferences for older adults, family member and caregivers. Free one and two hour seminars are offered on a variety of caregiving related topics. Full day conferences are also offered for a registration fee. |
| |
To register for a course, to sponsor a course or make a donation;
Please contact Mimi Jacobs at 1-877-407-3469 or mimi.jacobs@foxgeri.org |
| |
| |
|
