Did You Know? An older adult falls every second of every day.

Falls are common among older adults, but they aren’t a normal part of aging. Our Fall Reduction Program can help you lower your fall risk in the comfort of your own home.

Fall Reduction Program Highlights

• Evidence-based clinical practices so you receive high quality care backed by science
• Interdisciplinary approach that gives you access to a diverse team of professionals who can address your fall risk factors
• Expert care in the home, where 75% of falls happen
• Patient empowerment model that encourages you to take an active role in fall risk prevention
• Fall detection system (offered at no charge for up to 120 days while on our service) that offers safety and peace of mind
• Program developed in collaboration with renowned geriatric fall expert Michelle Lusardi, PT, DPT, PhD, FAPTA

Contact Your Local Care Center Today

How Home Health Care Helps Prevent Falls We help to address a range of fall hazards at home, including:

• Musculoskeletal issues – Issues with your muscles, joints, nerves, discs, blood vessels and other parts of your musculoskeletal system
• Visual disturbances – Examples include cataracts, glaucoma and vision loss
• Functional and cognitive impairments – Examples include memory loss, loss of a limb, or difficulty walking, seeing, hearing or problem-solving
• Chronic conditions – Persistent illnesses such as Parkinson’s disease, diabetes and dementia that can affect your balance
• Medications – Sleep aids, certain blood pressure medications and others that may put you off balance
• Home safety – Removing fall hazards like clutter, throw rugs and long electrical cords

Fall Prevention Goals

We aim to help you:

• Understand your fall risk
• Learn healthy self-care
• Improve your quality of life
• Avoid preventable falls
• Remain safely in your home, with as much independence as possible
• Reduce expensive hospitalizations

Is Our Fall Reduction Program Right For You?

The Amedisys Fall Reduction Program may be right for you if you:

• Have fallen in the past year
• Feel unsteady when standing or walking
• Worry about falling

Falls include tripping or slipping as well as falling back into a chair or onto a bed when trying to get up.

Call a care center near you to learn more about our program.

What Could Happen If You Fall

Falls are the number one cause of death and injuries among older adults ages 65 and over. The long-term consequences can be life-altering.

• Falls can lead to hospitalizations and disability. One out of five falls causes a head injury or broken bone. Hip fractures affect over 300,000 older adults each year. It’s also common to break the thigh, pelvis, spine, arm, leg, hand and ankle bones after an elderly fall.
• Fall injuries can make it hard to stay active and live on your own. If you’re over 75 and you fall, you’re four times more likely to be admitted to a skilled nursing facility. Even if you’re able to stay home, falls can hurt your quality of life.
• Fear of falling may stop you from leaving the house and staying social and mobile.When you move less, it gets harder to do daily activities like bathing, cooking and shopping. Isolation and inactivity increase your risk for depression and anxiety. All these changes can make you more likely to fall.

Common Risk Factors for Falls

Outside, or extrinsic, risk factors for elderly falls include:

• Poor lighting, trip hazards or other dangers in your home
• Lack of exercise, which can reduce your strength, balance and coordination
• Lack of stair handrails or poor stair design
• Lack of grab bars in your bathroom
• Inadequate lighting
• Slippery or uneven surfaces
• Psychoactive medications, or medications that make you dizzy or drowsy
• Improper use of assistive devices like a cane or walker
• Poor footwear such as high heels or backless shoes