Fall Prevention Programs Help Seniors in Pasco & Pinellas Counties
Author: Debbie Humphrey
Senior Care in Clearwater, FL and Surrounding Areas
One of our caregivers at Home Helpers was helping a senior woman carry in her groceries when she said, “I am so afraid of falling.” This came as no surprise to the caregiver because the elderly woman had fallen several times at home and church in previous weeks.
Our client has been fortunate that she did not suffer any injuries when she fell, but she might not be so lucky the next time she falls.
“Each year, thousands of older Americans fall at home. Many of them are seriously injured, and some are disabled. In 2011, nearly 23,000 people over age 65 died and 2.4 million were treated in emergency departments because of falls,” the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported.
There are many reasons why seniors are at risk of falling more so than any other age group:
- Lower body weakness
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Difficulties with walking and balance
- Pain medications, tranquilizers, sedatives, antidepressants, and over-the-counter medicines can affect balance and stability
- Vision problems
- Foot pain or poor footwear
- Home hazards like broken or uneven steps, throw rugs, cords, or clutter on the floor, can cause trips and falls
Through research, I discovered local fall prevention programs in Pasco and Pinellas Counties that can help seniors with balance, fitness, strength, and confidence to reduce their risk and fear of falling.
YMCA of the Suncoast says, “Falling and fear of falling may prevent older adults from staying active, which leads to reduced mobility, diminished quality of life, and increases their risk of falling.”
Moving for Better Balance is a program created for older adults to improve balance, flexibility, and strength while safely managing fall risks.
Enhance®Fitness is an exercise program that combines cardiovascular, strength training, balance, and flexibility exercises.
YMCA of Greater St. Petersburg also offers the Enhance®Fitness program as well as a fall risk screening and education class for seniors called Healthy Steps for Older Adults.
Enhance®Fitness treats arthritis and joint issues through fun, low-impact classes that promote friendship and laughter. This evidence-based fall prevention program – focusing on strength, balance, and movement – helps older adults stay more active, energized, and independent.
Enhance®Fitness is nationally recognized by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the National Council on Aging. It has also been recognized as an arthritis-appropriate evidence-based intervention by the Osteoarthritis Action Alliance.
Healthy Steps for Older Adults is a community-based fall risk screening and education class for adults aged 65 and older, in which participants attend workshops addressing proper footwear, safety at home, good nutrition for bone health, and the importance of exercise to prevent falls. The program also includes information on local fitness programs designed to reduce the risk of falling as well as learning exercises that can be done at home to help reduce falls.
In Pasco County, CARES, INC. (Community Aging and Retirement Services) in Hudson offers a Matter of Balance and Tai Chi fall prevention programs.
Seniors can get more details and register for fall prevention programs by visiting the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, Inc.
Fall Prevention Week is September 23-27, which is why I wanted to highlight these fall prevention programs designed for aging men and women over 60.
For seniors living alone in Pasco and Pinellas Counties who are unable to participate in fall prevention programs for whatever reason, I gladly offer a FREE Assessment and home safety check. Following my assessment, I will identify problem areas and recommend professional colleagues and other resources to help minimize fall hazards and improve home safety. In addition, I can match the perfect compassionate caregiver to provide personalized in-home care services to make life easier and safer 24/7/365.
We, at Home Helpers® Clearwater, are honored to have been ranked among the Home Care Pulse Top 100 Leaders in Experience for home care providersand to have receivedthese awards in 2024: Best of Home Care® Provider of Choice, the Best of Home Care® Employer of Choice, the Best of Home Care® Leader in Experience, as well as being named a Caring.com 2023 Caring Super Star.
We proudly serve male and female seniors in Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, Dunedin, Holiday, Hudson, Largo, New Port Richey, Oldsmar, Palm Harbor, Port Richey, Safety Harbor, Saint Petersburg, Seminole, Tarpon Springs, Trinity, and surrounding areas. Home Helpers®…we are Making Life Easier® 727.942.2539
Sources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention