Fall prevention is top of mind in the winter, since snow and ice can drastically increase the risk of falling. Falls are a leading cause of injury for adults over 65. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention reports that one out of four older adults falls each year and that falling once doubles your chances of falling again. These numbers sound scary, but the good news is that falls are preventable!
Fear around falling can lead to reduced activity and movement, but there are better options for avoiding falls.
There are many simple ways to prevent everyday falls ranging from removing loose rugs, cords, and clutter to adding lights in stairways and entryways. Winter prevention takes a little more consideration, but can include choosing winter shoes with rubber soles for better traction or adding an ice gripper tip to your cane.
In addition to environmental changes, increasing activity and adding exercises to increase strength and balance can help prevent falls.
CareWell Services Southwest is here to help with fall prevention this winter and all year! Join us for A Matter of Balance, an eight-week, evidenced-based program specifically designed to reduce the fear of falling and improve activity levels among community-dwelling older adults.
A Matter of Balance includes eight two-hour classes taught in a small group setting. The program helps participants see falls as controllable, set goals for increasing activity, and identify small changes to make at home to reduce the risk of falling.
The next session of A Matter of Balance will run on Wednesday from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, starting February 5 at the Kool Family Community Center located at 200 W. Michigan in Battle Creek. Registration is required by January 29. Call (269) 966-2450 or register online.