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Fall Prevention

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Why is it Important to Prevent Falls?

Falls should not be considered a “normal” part of aging. Yet each year one out of
four older adults reports a fall. This about 36 million falls of which 8 million require
medical attention for injuries ranging from bruises to fractured hips and head injuries.
Approximately 32,000 older adults die each year from falls.

What Can I do for Myself to Prevent Falls?

  1. Tell your doctor right away if you fall, are worried about falling or begin to feel
    unsteady so he or she can rule out the onset of a new disease as the cause.
  2. Studies show that improving your balance and strength through exercise
    significantly decreases the risk of falling. Also, the right exercise program can
    delay mental decline by up to 10 years. Ask your doctor about the best type of
    exercise program for you.*
  3. Difficulty seeing can lead to serious falls. Having your eyes checked annually as
    you age is an easy fall prevention measure.
  4. Wearing properly fitting shoes with non-skid soles can provide you with the
    proper support to prevent slips and stumbles.
  5. As you get older the way medications work your body can change. So, medications
    that you tolerated well in the past may start to cause dizziness, light headedness,
    drowsiness or loss of balance. Periodic review of your medications, including over
    the counter medications, with your doctor or pharmacist can go a long way in
    preventing falls.

*Hint: Yoga or Tai Chi are great ways to keep active and improve
your strength and balance, there are lots of free classes for beginners
available online or check in your local community.

Half of all falls occur at home because of clutter, poor
lighting or loose rugs. There are a number of things you
can do to prevent falls at home.
  • Remove things you can trip over (like papers, books, clothes, shoes) from places where you walk and stairs.
  • Remove small throw rugs or use double sided tape to hold them down.
  • Do not put items you frequently use in high cabinets that require the use of a stool or step ladder to reach them.
  • Use non-slip mats in bathtubs and on shower floors.
  • Install grab bars in bathtubs or showers and next to toilets.
  • As you get older you need better lighting to see well, so improve the lighting in your home.
    Have lights and handrails installed on all stairs.

For More Information on Avoiding Falls Visit:
www.cdc.gov/steadi

PHP Care Complete FIDA-IDD (Medicare – Medicaid Plan)

The State of New York has created a Participant Ombudsman Program called the Independent Consumer Advocacy Network (ICAN) to provide participants free, confidential assistance on any services offered by Partners Health Plan. ICAN may be reached toll-free at 1-844-614-8800 (TTY users call 711, then follow the prompts to dial 844-614-8800) or online at icannys.org.

Partners Health Plan is a managed care plan that contracts with Medicare and the New York State Department of Health (Medicaid) to provide benefits to Participants through the Fully Integrated Duals Advantage for Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FIDA-IDD) Demonstration.