Fall Factors

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Fall Factors

• A Community Based
• Slip and Fall Prevention Program

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Todays Goal

• To discuss the City of Satellite Beach process to
  develop a Community Based Fall Prevention Program
• Outline potential strategies to implement a
  program in your community

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A Base Model to Work From

• Cookie Cutter Templates try to generalize all
  communities
• Different Demographics
• Different Resources
• Different Perceptions

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Research Of Other Community Programs

• Our Search
• Google
• Resources we used

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Resources
King County, Wa- EMS
Fall Prevention Center for Excellence
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Resources
National Fire Protection Agency Remembering
When Fire and Fall Prevention Program
www.nfpa.org
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Foundation Of Our Program
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CDC- Preventing Falls

• Introduction
• Why Fall Prevention is Important
• Understanding the Risk Factors
• Effective Interventions

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CDC- Preventing Falls

• Introduction
• Why Fall Prevention is Important
• Understanding the Risk Factors
• Effective Interventions

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The Fall Problem
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The Fall Problem

• FY 06/07
• Satellite Beach Fire Department responded to 89
  Traumatic Fall emergencies
• 72 Lift Assist events
• Total of 161 Fall related events

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The Fall Problem

• 15 of Department Call Volume

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The Fall Problem
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The Fall Problem
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The Fall Problem
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The Fall Problem
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The Fall Problem
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The Fall Problem
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The Fall Problem
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It was clear, the problem was real
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Back to the Plan
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CDC- Preventing Falls

• Planning an Effective Program
• Two Sections
• Core Components
• Key Steps

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CDC- Preventing Falls

• Planning an Effective Program
• Core Components
• Education
• Exercise
• Medication Review
• Vision Assessment
• Home Safety
• Including Modifications

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CDC- Preventing Falls

• Planning an Effective Program
• Core Components
• Education
• Exercise
• Medication Review
• Vision Assessment
• Home Safety
• Including Modifications

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CDC- Preventing Falls

• Planning an Effective Program
• Key Steps
• Assess Community Needs
• Establish Program Goals and Objective
• Determine what risk factors your program will
  address
• Collaborate with Partners to address additional
  risk factors
• Decide on who will implement

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CDC- Preventing Falls

• Planning an Effective Program
• Key Steps
• Assess Community Needs
• Establish Program Goals and Objective
• Determine what risk factors your program will
  address
• Collaborate with Partners to address additional
  risk factors
• Decide on who will implement

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CDC- Preventing Falls

• Planning an Effective Program
• Key Steps
• Assess Community Needs
• Establish Program Goals and Objective
• Determine what risk factors your program will
  address
• Collaborate with Partners to address additional
  risk factors
• Decide on who will implement

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CDC- Preventing Falls

• Planning an Effective Program
• Key Steps
• Assess Community Needs
• Establish Program Goals and Objective
• Determine what risk factors your program will
  address
• Collaborate with Partners to address additional
  risk factors
• Decide on who will implement

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CDC- Preventing Falls

• Planning an Effective Program
• Key Steps
• Assess Community Needs
• Establish Program Goals and Objective
• Determine what risk factors your program will
  address
• Collaborate with Partners to address additional
  risk factors
• Decide on who will implement

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CDC- Preventing Falls

• Planning an Effective Program
• Key Steps
• Evaluate your program
• Promote your program
• Sustain your program

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CDC- Preventing Falls

• Planning an Effective Program
• Key Steps
• Evaluate your program
• Promote your program
• Sustain your program

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CDC- Preventing Falls

• Planning an Effective Program
• Key Steps
• Evaluate your program
• Promote your program
• Sustain your program

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CDC- Preventing Falls

• The Important Role of Partnerships in Fall
  Prevention Programs
• You can not do it alone !!!
• Who can you partner with ?

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CDC- Preventing Falls

• The Important Role of Partnerships in Fall
  Prevention Programs
• You can not do it alone !!!
• Who can you partner with ?
• Hospitals
• Foundations
• For Profit and Non-Profit Agencies
• Churches

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CDC- Preventing Falls

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CDC- Preventing Falls

• Education The Foundation of Effective Fall
  Prevention Programs
• Provider Education
• Public Education

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Your Fire DepartmentYour Partner
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Satellite Beach Fire Department Action Plan
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CDC- Preventing Falls

• Planning an Effective Program
• Core Components
• Education
• Exercise
• Medication Review
• Vision Assessment
• Home Safety
• Including Modifications

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What are our Desired Outcomes

• Reduce Traumatic Fall Incidents by 10 CY 2008
• Provide Direct Public Education to 250 seniors in
  CY 2008
• Provide 100 In-Home Environmental Assessments in
  CY 2008
• Conduct 275 Business Environmental Assessments in
  CY 2008

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Fall Prevention Action Plan

• Multi-Step Approach
• Public Education and Awareness
• Working with Health Care Providers
• Education of Pharmacist
• Promotion of Current Senior Exercise Programs
• Home Environmental Assessment
• Recommendation of Risk Reduction Devices
• With referral for assistance or installation
• Business Environmental Assessment

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CDC- Preventing Falls

• Planning an Effective Program
• Core Components
• Education
• Exercise
• Medication Review
• Vision Assessment
• Home Safety
• Including Modifications

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Public Education and Awareness

• Public Education Campaign directed at Target
  Group
• Public Presentations
• Civic Groups
• City Sponsored Functions
• Printed information in City Newsletter and
  Community Flyers and Posters

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Public Education and Awareness

• Public Education Campaign directed at Target
  Group
• Public Presentations
• Civic Groups
• City Sponsored Functions
• Printed information in City Newsletter and
  Community Flyers and Posters

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Public Education and Awareness

• Public Education Campaign directed at Target
  Group
• Public Presentations
• Civic Groups
• City Sponsored Functions
• Printed information in City Newsletter and
  Community Flyers and Posters

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Public Education and Awareness

• All Patients that we have responded that are 65
  years or older receive
• A Mailer and a letter outlining the dangers of
  falls and they are informed of our In-Home Fall
  Risk Assessment within 72 hours of the call
• Emergency calls
• Lift Assist
• The citizen is also told a Fall Prevention
  Specialist from the Fire Department will be
  contacting them to answer questions

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Public Education and Awareness

• The Citizen is called within 72-96 hours of the
  letter being sent
• We Explain the Fall Risk
• Offer a FREE In-Home Assessment

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Public Education and Awareness

• Satellite Beach Fire Department received
  mini-grant from the SRA- Department Elder Affairs
  to develop a Greeting Card

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Do Not Let This Happen To You
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Did You Know Falls Are the Leading Cause Of
Traumatic Death For Citizens 65 and Older?
Here are some simple tips to save you from a trip

• Falls are preventable-
• Watch your step and take your time
• Discuss medications with your doctor
• Medications contribute to balance issues
• Remove slip/trip/and fall hazards from your home
• Remove throw rugs and install bathroom grab bars
• The best tip to save you from a trip
• Call Satellite Beach Fire Department for a free
  in-home trip and fall safety survey _at_ 321-773-4405

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CDC- Preventing Falls

• Planning an Effective Program
• Core Components
• Education
• Exercise
• Medication Review
• Vision Assessment
• Home Safety
• Including Modifications

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Exercise

• Satellite Beach Recreation Department sponsors
  several senior exercise classes
• Full and Still Growing
• This resource was already in our inventory
• Just needed to promote it as a fall prevention
  item

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CDC- Preventing Falls

• Planning an Effective Program
• Core Components
• Education
• Exercise
• Medication Review
• Vision Assessment
• Home Safety
• Including Modifications

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Medication Review

• THIS IS BIG !!!!!!!!!
• All printed material discusses this point
• F-D-R
• Our Goal is to have all pharmacies discuss how
  medications are a major contributor to falls.

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CDC- Preventing Falls

• Planning an Effective Program
• Core Components
• Education
• Exercise
• Medication Review
• Vision Assessment
• Home Safety
• Including Modifications

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In Home Survey

• Client is offered a Fall Risk Assessment
• Timed Get Up and Go Test
• Home environmental survey is conducted to
  identify trip/fall hazards and contributing
  factors
• The survey results are discussed with the client
  and minor modifications are made on the spot.

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In Home Survey

• Significant modifications (grab bars, rails, etc)
  are identified and the client is provided
  information for the Community Service Council
• The Department Coordinates with CRC the
  installation
• A full report is sent to the client within 3-5
  days of the visit.
• Follow up contact is made

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In Home Survey

• Final Parting Gifts

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In Home Survey

• Satellite Beach Fire Department received
  mini-grant from the SRA- Department Elder Affairs
  to Purchase Presentation Easels that will be
  left with the client.

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Presentation Easel

• Stand up Easel to be set up on a kitchen counter
• Designed to be a visual reinforcement reminding
  the client of Fall Prevention Strategies
• These Strategies are part of the NFPA Remember
  When Program

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• Exercise Regularly
• To build strength and improve your balance and
  coordination. Ask your doctor about the best
  physical exercise for you.

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• Take your time.
• Being rushed or distracted increases your chance
  of falling.
• Get out of chairs slowly.
• Sit a moment before your get out of bed.
• Stand and get your balance before you walk.

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• Clear the way.
• Keep stairs and walking areas free of electrical
  cords, shoes, clothing, books, magazines, and
  other clutter.
• Place Low Level Lights in hallways and other
  paths of travel

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• Look out for yourself.
• See an eye specialist once a year. Poor vision
  can increase your chance of falling. Improve the
  lighting in your home. Use night lights to light
  the path between your bedroom and bathroom. Turn
  on the lights before using the stairs.

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• Slippery when wet.
• Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower
  floors.Install grab bars on the wall next to the
  bathtub, shower, and toilet. Wipe up spilled
  liquids immediately

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• Throw rugs can throw you.
• Use only throw rugs with rubber, non-skid
  backing. Always smooth out wrinkles and folds in
  carpeting.

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• Tread carefully.
• Stairways should be well lit from both top and
  bottom. Have easy-to-grip handrails installed
  along the full length of both sides of the
  stairs.

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• Best foot forward.
• Wear sturdy. Well-fitted, low-heeled shoes with
  non-slip soles.
• These are safer than high heels, thick-soled
  athletic shoes, slippers, or stocking feet.

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CDC- Preventing Falls

• Planning an Effective Program
• Core Components
• Education
• Exercise
• Medication Review
• Vision Assessment
• Home Safety
• Including Modifications
• Business Survey

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Business Environmental Survey
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Business Environmental Assessment

• Review of our 2007 EMS Data indicated a number of
  Fall Events at Businesses, Public Property, and
  Churches
• Many of the contributing factors were similar to
  those found in the home
• Lack of illuminated walk ways
• Uneven walk ways
• Trip hazards inside and outside of the building

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Business Environmental Assessment

• Satellite Beach Fire Department Fire Prevention
  Group conducts Fire Safety Inspection in all
  commercial, large assembly, and multi-residential
  buildings annually
• Satellite Beach Fire Prevention personnel will
  conduct Fall Risk Assessment of all occupancies
  in tandem with the annual Fire Inspection.(April
  1, 2008)
• This assessment is intended for educational and
  informational purposes only.

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Business Environmental Assessment

• Occupancies receive a survey of potential fall
  hazards and recommendations to reduce the risk.
• Additional educational materials will be mailed
  to the business after their fire safety
  inspection is complete.

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CDC- Preventing Falls

• Planning an Effective Program
• Core Components
• Education
• Exercise
• Medication Review
• Vision Assessment
• Home Safety
• Including Modifications

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What are our Desired Outcomes

• Reduce Traumatic Fall Incidents by 10 CY 2008
• Provide Direct Public Education to 250 seniors in
  CY 2008
• Provide 100 In-Home Environmental Assessments in
  CY 2008
• Conduct 275 Business Environmental Assessments in
  CY 2008

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What are our Desired Outcomes

• Comparison of Traumatic Fall Incidents
• January 1, 2007 June 1, 2007
• January 1, 2008 June 1, 2008

26 Reduction in Traumatic Fall Injuries
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Closing

• FALLS ARE THE LEADING CAUSE OF TRAUMATIC DEATH IN
  SENIORS
• THEY ARE PREVENTABLE
• YOU CAN DO IT

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Who Is Likely To Fall ?
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What Is The Age Of Those Who Fall ?
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What Places Do People Fall ?
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What is the Location Of The Fall?
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What Is The Cause Of The Fall ?
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How Many Medications Do Fall Victims Take?
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What Kind Of Injuries Do Fall Victim Receive?
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How Many Fall Victims Are Transported To The
Hospital?
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What Can I Do To Prevent A Fall?
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Safety Tip 1Exercise Regularly

• To build strength and improve your balance and
  coordination. Ask your doctor about the best
  physical exercise for you

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Safety Tip 2 Take Your Time

• Being rushed or distracted increases your chance
  of falling.
• Get out of chairs slowly.
• Sit a moment before your get out of bed.
• Stand and get your balance before you walk.

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Safety Tip 3Clear the Way

• Keep stairs and walking areas free of electrical
  cords, shoes, clothing, books, magazines, and
  other clutter.
• Place Low Level Lights in hallways and other
  paths of travel

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Safety Tip 4Throw Rugs Can Throw You

• Use only throw rugs with rubber, non-skid
  backing. Always smooth out wrinkles and folds in
  carpeting
• Use Double Back Tape and secure rugs that are not
  skid proof
• If you have difficulty in walking then pack the
  throw rugs away

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Safety Tip 5Tread Carefully

• Stairways should be well lit from both top and
  bottom. Have easy-to-grip handrails installed
  along the full length of both sides of the
  stairs.
• Low Level Lighting should be installed
• Keep your step free of clutter

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Safety Tip 6Discuss Your Medications

• You have an increased change of falling within
  2-3 day of
• Starting a New Medication
• Changing the dosage of a Medication
• Discontinuing a Medication

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Safety Tip 6Discuss Your Medications

• Discuss your Medications with your health
  providers
• TAKE YOU TIME !!

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