Healthy Living
Strengthening Community Connections in Fall Prevention is a Team Effort
Your occupational therapist (OT) Whether you’re already working with an OT or not, they are a vital part of any fall
It seems like common sense—everybody falls, no matter what age. However, for many older adults, an unexpected fall can result in a serious and costly injury. The good news is that most falls are preventable. And one of the ways you can prevent a fall is by knowing who you can call on for help. That is why fall prevention should be a team effort, where each member of the team offers expertise in their area of responsibility or field of work. Some members include health care professionals, like your primary care physician, an occupational therapist, physical therapist, pharmacists, and more. While health care professionals provide much of the expertise and experience to ensure you live independently and falls free, there are other resources in your community that contribute to falls prevention. Let's get to know your falls prevention team From medication and vision impairment to poor lighting and chronic conditions, the factors to watch for are numerous. That’s why having a team to help spot and address fall risks is so helpful. Below are the resources that play a significant role in
prevention team. They can ensure your assistive devices fit your needs and assess your home to identify hazards to eliminate and modifications needed that can prevent falls. Your primary care physician (PCP) Primary care physicians are often able to work with patients on fall prevention and get the process started because they see patients regularly. Your PCP knows your medical history and manages chronic illness like diabetes and arthritis that may put you at risk. PCPs can recommend evidence-based programs designed to reduce fall risk, spot hidden injuries resulting from a fall, and evaluate side-effects and other problems with medications that may increase your risk of falling. Be proactive about addressing falls when you visit your doctor. Tell your doctor if you’ve fallen recently, feel unsteady on your feet or are worried about falling. Your pharmacist Most older adults take medications or supplements daily. The effects of medications on our risk of falling aren’t usually something we think about when we’re trying to get over a cold or manage disease like high blood pressure or arthritis. That is why pharmacists are an important part of any fall’s prevention team. When you pick up your medications, use the opportunity to ask about any side effects you’re experiencing, and any changes in the medications you’re taking. Your physical therapist (PT) Physical therapists are an important member of the fall prevention team. They can work with you to improve balance, strength, and mobility to prevent falls and can help address the reasons you may be feeling unsteady. Physical therapists can also help you identify what you can do each day to manage your falls risk and connect you to resources in the community to maintain and improve your strength and balance. Your fire department Your local fire department can play a key role in fall prevention and do more than help you in case you do fall. Fire departments
promoting safety and preventing falls for you. Your falls prevention team should include: • family and friends • an occupational therapist (OT) • your primary care physician (PCP) • a pharmacist
• your recreation or senior center • your hardware store • your faith-based organization(s) • your library • your local sporting goods store
• a physical therapist (PT) • your local fire department
Each of them brings a unique mix of expertise and familiarity that can provide important protections against falling. Your family and friends You know them, you trust them, and they are happy to help. Family and friends provide some extra hands, or another set of eyes to check and rid your home of fall hazards. The next time they come over to visit or help around the house, ask them to take a little extra time helping you find common fall hazards. Family and friends can also join you during doctor visits and help ask questions and gather information about prevention falls.
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September 2022, Never Too Late | Page 15
Pima Council on Aging
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