Murdoch offers community education to keep seniors on their feet
Monday 5 September 2011
One in three people over 65 years fall each
year in Western Australia, and this can have serious consequences
on mobility, independence, lifestyle and health.
St John of God Hospital Murdoch is keen to raise awareness that
falls are not an inevitable part of ageing and can be
prevented.
As part of Stay on Your Feet Week WA
(11 -17 September), a morning tea education session for the
community will be held at St John of God Hospital Murdoch on Friday
16 September from 9.00am to 12.30pm focusing on how to prevent
falls at home.
St John of God Hospital Murdoch Falls
Management Coordinator Sarah-Jayne Powell said that while falls
could happen to anyone, the risk could be reduced by assessing risk
factors and speaking to a GP and other health professionals.
“Most falls are preventable by taking a few
simple precautions, however if you do fall at home, it is important
to stay calm and remain positive. If you can get up from the floor,
use stable furniture to help you stand up, and stand slowly and
safely,” Ms Powell said.
Ms Powell said those at most risk of falling
included those who:
- have had a fall in the past 12 months, or who exercise less
than 30 minutes per day;
- are unsteady on their feet or have trouble getting up out
of a chair;
- take more than three prescribed medications, suffer from
dizziness, and have not had a GP review their medications in the
past 12 months.
Education Session Details:
Date: Friday 16
September
Time:
9.00am to 12.30pm
Venue: Murdoch
Community Hospice, 100 Murdoch Drive, Murdoch
RSVP: (for
catering purposes) 9366 1600 – please leave your name and contact
number
Education Session Topics:
- Dietician – How you can improve your
diet
- OT – Take a look at the hazards around your
home
- Physiotherapist – Exercise for life
- Pharmacist – Do your medications increase
your risk of falling?
- Physician – Medication reviews – how important are they and
managing your health.