More on Falls and the Elderly
Learning more about fall prevention is key component to caring for an aging family member and supporting their quality of life.
First, Jane Gross at the New Old Age Blog, discusses the serious risk of falls for the elderly.
She notes that there are many efforts underway to study prevention programs.
Meanwhile, Sarah Henry at Caring Currents wrote a post yesterday about the importance of geriatric care. She refers to a New Yorker article about a geriatrician who institutes a number of measures to prevent falls for his patient, after noting her high risk for a fall.
First, Jane Gross at the New Old Age Blog, discusses the serious risk of falls for the elderly.
. . .Each year, nearly one-third of older adults experience a fall, and 20 to 30 percent of them wind up with moderate to severe injuries, ranging from broken teeth to broken hips. In 2005, the C.D.C. reports, 1.8 million elderly patients were treated in emergency rooms for non-fatal falls, and 15,800 died of their injuries.
Some 20 to 40 percent of those suffering a hip fracture will die within a year, researchers estimate, but even lesser injuries can precipitate a cascade of medical problems, the onset of severe disability, and the end of independent living and the beginning of round-the clock care.
She notes that there are many efforts underway to study prevention programs.
Meanwhile, Sarah Henry at Caring Currents wrote a post yesterday about the importance of geriatric care. She refers to a New Yorker article about a geriatrician who institutes a number of measures to prevent falls for his patient, after noting her high risk for a fall.
Labels: aging, disease and disability
Posted by: HFA permalink
1 Comments:
Thank you for your article "More on Falls". After conducting training seminars in 11 states for health care workers in long term care facilities, I am encouraged to get the word out. Benevolent Ballet-Fall Prevention for the Elderly is a unique approach to exercise. The program was developed to address several quality of life concerns.
1. First of all, we all know that exercise is important to maintain mobility and to reduce the risk of falls.
2. We also know that it is often difficult to engage the elderly in activities. Motivating the frail elderly or those with Alzheimer's or other dementias is especially difficult.
3. Although staff tries to provide their residents with joyful moments, it can be very challenging with the frail elderly who may be apathetic, withdrawn, depressed, angry or anxious.
The exercises (chair and standing if capable) are adapted to the physical and cognitive ability of the participants. The use of classical and semi classical music adds an enriching arts component to the program and improves the quality of movement. The program can be implemented in community settings, or nursing and assisted living facilities.The Benevolent Ballet-Fall Prevention for the Elderly program builds on the residents retained strengths including the appreciation of music,beauty and humor. The staff training includes approaches to communicating with and inspiring the residents to participate and to do so to the best of their physical and cognitive ability.
As for my background, I was trained to teach in London at the Royal Ballet School. After a forty year career of working with populations ranging from the very gifted to those with physical and mental challenges it was suggested that I develop a program for the elderly. The idea being that through the magic of classical music and movement the elderly (even those with Alzheimer's and other dementias) would be motivated to participate. It works! Please visit my web site(www.benevolentballet.com) for outcomes and more information.
Sheila
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