Quality of Life series features 'Fall Prevention'

VCP Home Health Care presents a ‘Quality of Life’ health seminar titled, “Fall Prevention” at 2 p.m. Tuesday, April 19, at the Timbers of Shorewood, 1100 N. River Rd., Shorewood. The public is welcome to join the residents for this free presentation.

The commercial, “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up,” is no joke. For seniors, falling rarely just happens but rather results from multiple causes that occur over time. As people age, their muscles and bones can weaken, balance can be affected, and certain medications and medical conditions can make falling and fractures more likely. Seniors are more prone to diseases like osteoporosis and are more susceptible to experiencing a fall.

Every year more than 1.6 million older adults go to the emergency department for fall related injuries. Falls are the main cause of fractures, loss of independence, hospital admissions and death.

Hip fractures are the most common and serious type fall related injuries.  After such a fall, only half of older adults hospitalized with hip fractures can return home and live on their own.

About 80 percent of hip fractures occur in women. Women lose bone density at a faster rate than men do. The drop in estrogen levels that occurs with menopause accelerates bone loss, increasing the risk of hip fractures as a woman moves beyond menopause. However, men also can develop dangerously low levels of bone density.

The fear of falling causes older adults to avoid physical activities such as walking and exercise. But the truth is physical activity can help prevent falls. Some seniors who are concerned with falling go to physical therapy which can help improve balance, maintain physical health and prevent falls.

Following the talk, there will be Q&A. 

The Timbers of Shorewood is a rental retirement community which provides independent and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services.

Again, the event is free and open to the public. For more information, call Shelly Goggins at 815-609-0669