The Visiting Angels Fall Prevention Program is designed to assist seniors in Chattanooga, Signal Mountain, and nearby cities in maintaining their independence and avoiding debilitating injuries due to falls. Falls are a leading cause of loss of independence among older adults, often resulting in serious injuries like fractures and concussions, which can require extensive rehabilitation.

Continue reading to learn about the impact of falls on seniors and how Visiting Angels can help prevent them from occurring. 

“Visiting Angels made all the difference for my parents...”

"Visiting Angels made all the difference for my parents the last year they were able to live in their home. Had my family not had the help of Visiting Angels, that last year just would not have been possible. The angels showed up each and every day with a smile on their faces and did what needed to be done to help Mom and Dad. I will be forever grateful"

Understanding the Impact of Falls on Seniors

Each year, one in three older adults experience a fall, with one in five sustaining significant injuries. The majority of falls happen at home. In fact, over 800,000 individuals are hospitalized annually due to falls, with many requiring long-term care, and some never returning home.

And, another scary stat, those who have fallen once are at a higher risk of falling again.

Beyond physical injury, falls can cause anxiety and depression due to the fear of falling again. This can impact their mental health and cause emotional distress and social isolation as many people avoid leaving the home to try to reduce their risk of falling.

Visiting Angels Comprehensive Approach to Fall Prevention

The Visiting Angels Fall Prevention Program is dedicated to educating older adults, their families, caregivers, and service providers on fall reduction strategies. This is crucial for enhancing the quality of life and safety of our clients, particularly for those who do not use mobility aids like canes or walkers.

Identifying and Addressing Risk Factors to Help with Fall Prevention

Our fall prevention program focuses on identifying and mitigating risk factors associated with falls. These can be related to physical conditions, medical issues, or the home environment. 

Common internal risk factors in seniors include:

• Muscle weakness
• Poor eyesight
• Loss of strength or balance
• Shuffling
• Limited mobility
• Confusion
• Medications
• Dehydration

In addition to the internal risk factors, there are a plethora of external factors that can contribute to falling, including:

• Lack of safety measures, such as grab bars in bathtubs and non-slip mats in showers
• Absence of handrails and adequate lighting on staircases
• Throw rugs, uneven floor surfaces, and other tripping hazards
• Poor lighting
• Poorly fitting footwear
• Overuse of alcohol
• Risky behavior, such as standing on a chair to reach an object

Resources for Fall Prevention

Visiting Angels offers a valuable "Safe & Steady Fall Prevention Resource Guide" which is available for free download. This guide provides practical tips and insights into making homes safer and reducing the risk of falls.

Fall Prevention as Part of Our Senior Care Services

Incorporated into our range of senior home care services, our fall prevention program is a testament to our commitment to the safety and well-being of seniors; it is designed to provide peace of mind and enhance the living conditions of seniors, ensuring they continue to live safely and comfortably in their own homes.

If you are interested in learning more about our home care services and fall prevention strategies, contact our Chattanooga, TN office at (423) 424-0944 or click here to contact us online.