Reduce your risk of falling
Persons of all ages fall, but the risk of serious injury from a fall increases as you get older. Consider this familiar scenario: Ms. Martin is a 78-year-old retiree who lives alone with her pet. Prior to her retirement ten years ago, she was a very independent person who maintained a moderately active lifestyle that consisted of managing her household, cooking, gardening, and attending regular church services. She would spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren, and stay in regular contact with neighbors and friends.
Everything was going well until she experienced a fall in her home. This was her first fall. Luckily, she received only a few bruises from it, but the experience still frightened her and made her more aware of the risk of falling again.
Two months later, Ms. Martin had another fall after tripping on a rug in her home. This time, the fall caused serious injury—Ms. Martin broke her arm and hit her head. Although she recovered, her fear of falling became much more serious. Ms. Martin decided that she would like to learn a way to prevent future falls so that she no longer had to live in fear.
What help is available for someone afraid of falling like Ms. Martin?
There are workshops and home assessments that can help someone like Ms. Martin minimize the risk of a fall.
What falls prevention workshops are available?
A Matter of Balance workshops are held in community settings such as churches, senior centers, and community centers and are led by two certified facilitators. A Matter of Balance workshop groups meet once a week over an eight-week period. Attendees range from individuals who have experienced falls, are concerned about falling, or simply have a fear of falling after witnessing someone else’s fall.
The workshop helps individuals reduce their fear of falling and increases activity among older adults. Participants have the opportunity to explore their thoughts and attitude towards falls, learn exercises that can strengthen muscles and help improve balance, and discover practical ways to make changes to your living environment that may also help to prevent a fall.
If you think A Matter of Balance might be the answer for you as well, check this website to see what is scheduled in your area, or contact Empowerline if are interested in attending a workshop, would like to host a workshop, or would like to request a workshop in your area.
Contact Empowerline at (404) 463-3333 to review available options to meet your needs.
For more information
This infographic may help you think through what the next steps are to help prevent falling, and you can complete this checklist to prevent falls at home. To help manage your fear of falling, visit the National Council on Aging’s site to review some practical suggestions and more information that may help you decide.
If you are a caregiver who is interested in more information relating to falls, check out the Falls Prevention Conversation Guide for Caregivers, also from the National Council on Aging. Use Empowerline’s search for services resources to find services and providers near you.