NORWELL VISITING NURSE ASSOCIATION COMMEMORATES
FALLS PREVENTION AWARENESS DAY

Norwell VNA provides tips on falls prevention

NORWELL, MA (September 24, 2007) – On September 20th the State of Massachusetts celebrated the first annual Falls Prevention Awareness Day in an effort to bring awareness to the more than 25,000 annual injuries from falls reported by hospitals in Massachusetts. Injuries due to falling account for more than 50% of all injury-related hospital stays at a cost of more than $300 million. However, by addressing potential risk factors and safeguarding your home, many of these falls can be prevented.

“It is important for the public to understand that falls are avoidable accidents,” said Laurie Galvin, PT, COS-C and Rehabilitation Manager at the Norwell Visiting Nurse Association. “Declaring a state-wide Falls Prevention Awareness Day is just one more step in helping us get the message out to the community.”

The Norwell VNA has long been aware of the seriousness of falls among seniors. This past year the Norwell VNA offered a program titled, Watch Your Step to educate the community on falls prevention.In recognition of Falls Prevention Awareness Day the Norwell VNA staff took steps to safeguard their own homes by tossing their throw rugs, now known as “fall rugs,” in the dumpster. Due to the lack of rubber backing on these rugs they are a potential hazard in the home, especially to the elderly population. 

Those at a higher risk of experiencing a fall tend to be female, are taking four or more medications (including at least one psychoactive prescription), have experienced a previous fall and have some lower body weakness. Additionally, many of the individuals at high risk have one or more chronic illness, wear improper footwear, experience impaired vision and often live in the presence of environmental hazards.

Here are some tips on how to prevent falls courtesy of the Norwell VNA Watch Your Step program:

• Receive routine eye exams
• Keep stairways well lit and free of clutter. Install handrails in all stairways.
• Install nightlights in the bathroom and/or hallways
• Use only rugs that have non-skid backing
• Install handrails in the tub and toilet areas
• Wear sturdy, flat shoes – avoid walking in bare feet or socks only
• Place items frequently used in the kitchen on lower shelves and cabinets
• Clean up spills immediately
• Place pet bowls in low traffic areas
• Sit on the edge of the bed for a minute or two before rising to gain your balance

If you would like more information about falls or falls prevention, contact the new state-wide hotline 1-800-227-SAFE or call the Norwell VNA at 781-659-2342.

The Norwell Visiting Nurse Association, located in Norwell and serving the South Shore, provides nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, nutritional counseling, home health aides/homemakers and a variety of support services and programs to patients of all ages and for all needs. The Norwell VNA has been serving the community since 1920 providing services to residents in Norwell, Scituate, Abington, Braintree, Cohasset, Duxbury, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Hingham, Holbrook, Hull, Kingston, Marshfield, Pembroke, Quincy, Rockland, Weymouth and Whitman. For more information about the Norwell VNA and its services, please visit the web site at www.nvna.org or call 781-659-2342.