Preventing a Fall

With hip injuries coming in at 44 percent of all falls, and women at the top of the statistical scale, local senior Angie Burke has stepped up to the prevention plate and recently had her home wired for senior safety.

”I've had four major surgeries, including hip surgery,” Burke said. “I have a bad back and use a cane, and my son and daughter-in-law feel better knowing that I have this system.”

Burke's system includes a pendant she wears around her neck that she can activate to contact a security system company who she said will talk her through a fall, injury or even a break-in of her home.

In a study noted in the Department of Health and Human Services' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site: “More than one third of adults 65 and older fall each year.” And, of those who fall, “20 to 30 percent of fall victims suffer moderate to severe injuries that make it harder to get around or live alone,” as well as increasing the chance of early death. The study also notes that older adults are five times more likely to be hospitalized for fall-related injuries.

With the annual cost of health care for fall-related injuries topping in at some $19 billion, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Web site notes that the U.S. government is realizing the need for fall prevention, and is currently entertaining Senate Bill S. 845, which will launch a national campaign focused on reducing falls, preventing repeat falls and mitigating post-fall complications among older adults.

Kathy Major of Advanced Security Systems, product manager for Vigil ONE, who helped set Burke up with her newfound feeling of safety, said that the company is starting a campaign to help with fall prevention.

Advanced Security Systems is teaming up with Broadway Medical Equipment -- both of Eureka -- and taking their safety systems to the street, presenting options for Humboldt and Del Norte County seniors at local senior centers, senior assistance agencies, retirement communities and other senior organizations.

”We have found that most medical alarms have been installed after a fall,” said Major. “Fall injuries and their ensuing complications are one of the most serious health issues seniors face today.”

Major went on to say that the injuries can be physically, emotionally and financially devastating, but the good news is that there's a wealth of information available now on prevention, and awareness is key to protecting overall health and longevity.

”Talking about these issues directly with seniors is the best way to help and we can do that,” Major said.

Elise Carroll, marketing specialist for Broadway Medical in Eureka, said that giving the presentations with Major is a natural fit.

”We have safety rehabilitation specialists or technicians who go in and make assessments in the home,” Carroll said.

She added that the technicians will help a senior who may have had a fall determine whether they need a wheelchair or just a walker, as well as measure doorways for accessibility and the like, making their involvement in the fall presentations a given.

”Our goal is to educate the community so they can make correct decisions on their own,” said Carroll. “We would like to empower them to make choices on their safety, and these presentations are a big part of that.”