INDUSTRY INSIGHT
PREVENTING FALLS , TRIPS AND SLIPS
SPONSORED CONTENT
Staying Active While
PREVENTING FALLS
The risk of falling increases as a person ages , but falls , slips and trips can be prevented . Taking action to reduce the risk is the first step in staying healthy and independent .
Asbury Heights , part of UPMC Senior Communities , offers a variety of options including independent living , personal care , memory support , skilled nursing and rehabilitative care . It emphasizes the strengths of each resident and works with them to identify areas needing attention to ensure their safety and maximize their independence .
EXERCISE AND BALANCE Falling or fear of falling can cause seniors to stay away from activity , especially when it involves going somewhere unfamiliar . However , inactivity can weaken legs . Additionally , staying in a confined area can lead to feelings of isolation and depression .
The key is to keep moving . Exercise strengthens muscles , develops agility and improves balance to prevent falls . Daily balance exercises , like heel-toe walking or standing on one leg ,
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Contact Cathy Glumac at 412-571-5387 or cglumac @ asburyheights . org for details . are easy ways to enhance balance . Adding a cognitive element , such as reciting the alphabet backward while standing on one leg , can improve functional balance and allows active seniors to work on completing daily tasks without focusing on their balance issues .
Residents of Asbury Heights have access to a fitness center 24 hours a day . Complete with cardiovascular and strengthtraining equipment designed for older adults , the fitness center accommodates individual fitness and group programs , including balance-specific classes .
REMOVING HAZARDS AT HOME
Each room at home should be kept free of fall hazards . Extension cords should be hidden away and kept out of pathways . Use skid-proof backing or tack carpeting firmly to the floor .
Keep lights close to the bed so that there is no danger of stumbling around in the dark . Grab bars in the bathtub and a raised toilet seat with arm rails reduce falls associated with everyday bathroom activity . Avoid rugs on the bathroom floor , as they may slide and cause someone to fall .
Additionally , utensils and food that are most often used should be kept in easy-to-reach cabinets that require minimal reaching or crouching . Most traditional shelving units can be converted to pull-out shelving in kitchen cupboards to make access very easy . Using a “ grabber ” to safely reach items high and low can also be helpful .
MEDICATION
Any senior on medication should be aware of the effect that some drugs have on coordination or balance . Take the proper dose and read labels . A team of board-certified and fellowshiptrained geriatricians in the Asbury Health & Wellness Center can help residents determine if there ’ s a conflict with medications .
Learn more about Asbury Heights or arrange a tour from the website at www . asburyheights . org or by calling 412.571.5387 or emailing cglumac @ asburyheights . org .
This Industry Insight was written by Erica Sorg , Director of Rehab Services at Asbury Heights .
700 Bower Hill Road , Mt . Lebanon • asburyheights . org
Asbury Heights complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race , color , national origin , age , disability , or sex .
MT . LEBANON ❘ FALL 2018 13