Protecting Older Adults from Fall-Related Injuries

September 8, 2024

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health Celebrates Fall Prevention Month This September- Raising Awareness and Taking Action to Protect Older Adults from Fall-Related Injuries.

September is Fall Prevention Month, a critical time to focus on the safety and well-being of our older adult population. Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is proud to join this national effort to raise awareness about fall-related injuries, hospitalizations, and their significant impact on quality of life and healthcare costs.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four Americans aged 65 and older falls each year. Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries in this age group, leading to over 3 million emergency department visits annually. Beyond the physical injuries, falls can result in a reduced quality of life, with many older adults experiencing a loss of independence and increased fear of falling again.

The financial impact is also staggering. The CDC estimates that falls among older adults cost the U.S. healthcare system over $50 billion each year. These costs include hospitalizations, surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation, which often place a significant burden on families and caregivers.

Preventing Falls at Home: Simple Steps for Safety

Many falls can be prevented with simple adjustments to the home environment and proactive health measures. Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health encourages individuals and families to consider the following fall prevention strategies:

Remove Tripping Hazards: Keep walkways clear of clutter, secure loose rugs with double-sided tape, and immediately clean up spills.
Improve Lighting: Ensure all areas of the home are well-lit, especially stairways and bathrooms. Consider installing nightlights in hallways and bedrooms.
Install Grab Bars and Handrails: Place grab bars in the bathroom near the toilet and shower, and install handrails on both sides of stairways.
Wear Proper Footwear: Encourage the use of shoes with non-slip soles and avoid walking around the house in socks or slippers.
Exercise Regularly: Engage in exercises that improve balance and strength, such as Tai Chi, to help prevent falls.

In-Home Assessments by Our Experts

At Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health, our team of Physical and Occupational Therapists is dedicated to helping older adults stay safe in their homes. We offer in-home assessments to identify potential fall hazards and provide personalized recommendations to enhance safety. Our therapists work closely with patients to develop tailored exercise plans that strengthen muscles and improve balance, further reducing the risk of falls.

“As we celebrate Fall Prevention Month, it is vital to recognize the profound impact falls have on older adults and their families,” said Aubrey Engle, RN, Executive Director of Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health. “By taking proactive steps, we can prevent falls and ensure our loved ones maintain their independence and quality of life. Our team is here to support the community with expert assessments and care designed to keep everyone safe at home.”

Don’t wait to ask about how our compassionate staff can help your loved ones. To qualify for home health care, a person must have a physician’s order and demonstrate a need for skilled care that can be safely provided at home. Our focus is on providing comfort to patients and support to families, with our team available 24/7 to address any concerns. The call is free, and our professionals are ready to assist you! Call us today at 603-536-2232 to learn more.

How to Plan For Recovery at Home After Surgery

December 8, 2022

In this blog, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health brings to light the services you can receive after surgery and how to be prepared before your surgery. There are a lot of things to think about when preparing for major surgery. What are the risks? Will you be in pain? Have you thought about what help you’ll need to recover? Will you be able to stay at home while you heal? Although every surgical recovery is different, the goals of home-based clinical care after surgery include patient and family involvement, shared decision-making, and ﬂexibility around changes in plans to meet your needs.

Having home care services from Pemi-Baker can help you recover more quickly, keep you safe at home, and just as importantly, help you avoid another hospital stay.

Planning ahead for care

Although it’s not always possible to schedule your surgery in advance, you should understand beforehand how long your recovery may take, what you will and will not be able to do, and what help you will need while you are home.

Speaking to your doctor or your hospital discharge planner about home health care services prior to surgery will help you prepare for when you go home again. If your surgery is the result of an emergency situation, a family member or other caregiver could arrange for services on your behalf.

Additionally, since outpatient (day) surgery has become a much more common option, many people find themselves recovering from surgery at home the same day as their procedure. Some are unprepared to effectively manage their pain and discomfort, making it difficult for them to perform even routine tasks or basic personal care. They may be weak and tired. Managing multiple medications can be confusing and properly caring for the incision site can be challenging. The trusted, compassionate staff at Pemi-Baker will help.

How home health care helps your recovery

Home health care is personalized to fit your needs, based on your physician’s instructions and your own personal preferences. Depending on the complexity of the surgery, you may receive a single type of care or a combination of services. Nurses can provide services including wound care and medication management, while home health aides can provide assistance with personal care including bathing, dressing, and light housekeeping. Physical and occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, and social workers also play an important role in the recovery process. With orders from your doctor and input from you about your needs, the Pemi-Baker team will design a plan of care to reach your goals and help you recover.

What you can do ahead of the surgery

You can make your recovery at home go a lot smoother if you take a little time to plan ahead. Ask your doctor what you won’t be able to do at first while you’re healing up, and get help from friends and family to prepare your living space. You need to be careful about falling after an operation. “People get dizzy because they haven’t eaten for a few days and from being in bed,” says Jenn Stewart, RN, Clinical Supervisor. “You may need to get a walker or crutches to cut down your risk of a fall. Other tips to avoid stumbling would be using night lights in hallways, sleeping in a bedroom near a bathroom, wearing flat shoes or slippers and reducing the clutter in your home” said Stewart.

Do I need to make changes to my house? This depends on what kind of operation you have. If it’s a complicated one, like a joint replacement or stomach surgery, you may need to tweak a few things in the bathroom or bedroom for easier access.
Stairs: If you can’t climb up and down them after your surgery, you might have to make some changes. For instance, if your bedroom is upstairs, you may need to sleep on a lower floor for a while. Ask your friends or family to move your bed before you go into the hospital, or check into renting a hospital bed if you need it.
Equipment: After some types of surgery, you’ll need to get special gear at home. Plan ahead if your doctor tells you that you need oxygen tanks, elevated toilets, shower seats, supplies to care for your cut, or other items. Get in touch with your insurance company to see if they’re part of your coverage.
Stock your pantry: Ask your doctor if you have to stick to a certain diet. Make sure you’re well supplied with the right food before you get back home. Since you may feel tired during your recovery, prepare some meals before your operation and put them in the freezer.

There are many things you and your family can do to prepare for your surgery and give you the best possible recovery. Make arrangements in advance if your surgeon suggests getting a nurse, physical therapist, or health aide. Make sure you schedule the first visit before you leave the hospital. Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health can see you in less than 24 hours of arriving home.

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is a trusted, nonprofit agency proudly serving 29 towns in central and northern NH since 1967. Expert services include at-home healthcare and physical therapies (VNA), hospice and palliative care, and community programs including: American Red Cross CPR/AED/FA, Caregiver and Bereavement Support Groups and Ask A Pemi-Baker Nurse days at your local senior centers. Providing compassionate care with experienced staff who are trained, certified professionals and also your neighbors. In your time of need, we’re right where you need us.

Pemi-Baker is located at 101 Boulder Point Drive, Suite 3, Plymouth, NH. To contact us please call: 603-536-2232 or email: info@pbhha.org Like our Facebook Page: @pemibakerhospicehomehealth

~Written by Anna Swanson