Falls can happen to anyone , but , unfortunately , as you grow older falls can become more common and you are more likely to injure yourself .
Most elderly people fall in and around the home but the good news is that there are a number of things you can do to help prevent falls and minimise your injuries if you do fall .
April Falls is a month-long campaign focussing on falls ; the leading cause of injury and incapacitation to the elderly . Falls cause serious harm , with the most common injury being a hip fracture . Of those who suffer a hip fracture nearly 20 % will die within a year ; almost half will require long-term care , and half will require help with daily living .
What causes falls in the elderly ?
As you grow older , changes in your body such as vision problems , weakening muscles and stiffening joints can increase your chances of falling . Falls can also be a sign of a new health problem , medication side effects or balance problems . Even short-term illnesses ( such as the flu and other infections ) or surgery can temporarily increase the risk of falling .
If you ’ ve had a fall in the past six months , your chances of falling may be increased .
Who can help ?
If you ’ ve had a fall , or you often feel like you ’ re at risk of falling , don ’ t just dismiss it as part of getting older , lack of concentration or clumsiness . Talk to a health professional ( such as a doctor , nurse , physiotherapist , podiatrist , occupational therapist or optometrist ) and ask about different options that may help you .
PLEASE RETURN any loaned hospital equipment to Tauranga Hospital ’ s main reception .
Thank you .
What can I do to reduce my risk of
falling ?
Things you can do to reduce your risk of falling include :
• eating healthy and nutritious food
• drinking enough fluids
• maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle , with regular exercise to prevent your muscles weakening and joints stiffening such as tai chi
• taking medication only as prescribed
• wearing the right shoes – comfortable , firmfitting , flat shoes with a low wide heel , laces , buckles or Velcro fastenings and rubber soles that grip
• wearing slippers which fit well
• not walking in socks
• making sure clothing is not too long causing a trip hazard ( touching the floor )
• hazard proofing your home to make it as safe as possible – removing slip or trip hazards like loose rugs or mats and repairing or replacing worn areas of carpets
• wiping up spills immediately
• making sure there is adequate lighting , especially at night
• using your walking aid at all times
• installing grab rails in the bathroom
• keeping pathways in good repair and clean
• marking the edge of steps so they are easy to see .
Home maintenance and modification may also help prevent falls by making your home safer and more secure . This may include installing :
• grab and shower rails
• hand rails
• ramps and other mobility aids
• emergency alarms and other safety aids .
Unique Online Health Hub Launched to Celebrate
Hapū Health The health of whānau and hapū was celebrated at Te Mānuka Tūtahi Marae in Whakatāne recently , as Toi Te Ora - Public Health Service , along with many collaborative partners , launched a one of a kind online Māori health hub to local whānau , hapū and iwi .
Hapū Hauora is a unique health resource hub available at www . hapuhauora . health . nz that has been developed with hapū and whānau to specifically improve Māori health and celebrate whānau wellbeing .
Hapū Hauora provides hapū with baskets of knowledge , ‘ Ngā Kete Mātauranga ’, around three health areas ; oranga kai ( healthy food ), auahi kore ( smokefree ), and te karonga I ngā momo mate ( avoiding infections ). Within each of these kete are resources , tips , interactive tools , and templates whānau can use to improve their health - using the marae to set the example and lead the way for tamariki .
An integral component of the initiative has been the inclusion of hapū throughout its development . Group interviews were held with a number of local Eastern Bay of Plenty hapū to discuss key health priorities , and a Reference Group established to provide overall guidance and advice to the initiative . The Reference Group consists of active hapū members who also have health sector experience , a number of them employed within local Māori health providers .
Hapū Hauora will be a living resource and will be continuously updated with relevant Māori health information as well as the opportunity for whānau and hapū to contribute success stories of health in action at their marae .
In the near future there will be two additional health areas developed to support whānau to whakakore waipiro ( reduce alcohol intake ) and increase korikori tīnana ( physical activity ).
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For more information go to : www . hapuhauora . health . nz
� To subscribe to the Hapū Hauora Kumara Vine panui email hapu . hauora @ bopdhb . govt . nz or go to www . hapuhauora . health . nz / hh _ panui