Tender Loving Care recognizes Fall Prevention Month

Web Exclusive, November 1, 2007

Home health agency offers advice to seniors and their families on ways to reduce their risk for falling

Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths among older adults and the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries. In fact, more than one third of adults 65 and older fall each year. Because of these alarming statistics, Tender Loving Care Home Health Care centers are recognizing Fall Prevention Month this November and encouraging seniors and their families to identify ways to reduce their risk of falling.

"While we all experience a fall at some point in our life, the risk of serious injury from a fall is much greater for our senior population. It's important to us at Tender Loving Care to educate our patients and our community on ways to prevent – or at least reduce the risk of – these accidents from occurring," said Marie Brewer, RN, vice president of clinical operations for Tender Loving Care Health Care Services.

With 90 percent of hip fractures in older people being caused by falls and 60 percent of falls among people age 65-plus taking place in the home, Brewer offers the following tips on how to reduce the risk of falling:

• Stand for a few seconds before walking.
• Wear supportive footwear that fits well.
• Physical therapy can improve balance and strength.
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medicines – both prescription and over-the-counter – to reduce side effects and interactions.
• Remove hazards in your home that can lead to falls, such as throw rugs or loose tiles.
• Install grab bars around the shower, tub and toilet.
• Get help to complete chores that require climbing.

According to Brewer, Tender Loving Care created a national initiative called "Call Me First" which is designed to reduce the risk of falling for their patients, and to reduce their rate of hospitalization. They collaborate with their patient's own physician, as part of their treatment plan, to create a focused home health care plan designed to keep the patient safely in their own home and out of the hospital. "We don't want our patients to be admitted to the hospital. This program is an additional preventative measure our patients can take to reduce their risk of falling," Brewer said.

Tender Loving Care is a part of the TLC Health Care Services family of companies. TLC is the nation's largest national privately held provider of home health care services, TLC offers residents one-on-one care within the privacy and comfort of their home. Nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, medical social workers and home health aides follow orders from the senior's own physician to help them manage their disease process and improve daily activities, such as dressing or bathing. Skilled health care services are provided to those who are recovering from an illness or injury, are disabled, or have a chronic illness. Medicare Part A covers home health skilled services at 100 percent for those who meet Medicare homebound eligibility requirements. Care can be provided in the senior's own home, whether it is a single-family residence or in a senior living facility.

For more information on Tender Loving Care Home Health Care, or on how to get Medicare-covered home health services that help prevent falls, visit http://www.tlcathome.com/.