Stay On Your Feet WA®

‘Falls can be prevented’

Welcome

Session aims To raise your awareness that:

Falls can be prevented Are not a normal part of ageing

To increase your knowledge of: The risk factors that cause falls What you can do to reduce your risk

of falls

The Falls Issue

World Health Organisation defines a fall as:

“an event, which results in a person coming to rest unintentionally on the

ground or other lower level”

Are you over the age of 65 years?

Why do people fall?

Health problems Taking three or more medicines Poor diet Poor or loss of eyesight Sore feet and unsafe shoes Loss of balance Changes in walking Not being active Hazards

Reasons why people fall

Where do people fall?

About half of all falls

leading to

hospitalisation

happen in and

around the home

Start Checklist

Question 1

Have you had a fall in the last year?

Yes No

Previous falls

Previous falls can increase the chance of falling again.

Next

Question 2

Do you do less than 30 minutes of physical activity a day?

Yes No

Be Active

Taking part in physical activity is the best thing you can do to reduce your risk of falling.

Next

Question 3

Are you unsteady on your feet, do you find it difficult to get up from a chair or

do you have trouble walking?

Yes No

Improve your balanceMany falls are the result of muscle weakness and/or

impaired balance.

This ability can be strengthened through balance, strength and flexibility exercises.

Next

Question 4

Are you taking three or more medicines?

Yes No

Manage your medicines

Some side effects and combinations of medicines can increase your risk of a fall.

Next

Question 5

Are you taking sleeping tablets, tranquillisers or anti-depressants?

Yes No

Manage your medicines

These types of medicines can increase your risk of a fall.

Next

Question 6

Has it been more than 12 months since your GP reviewed your medicines?

Yes No

Manage your medicines

Regular medicine reviews will help you to make sure you are taking the right medicines in their

correct dosages at the right time.

Ask your GP for a free Home Medicine Review by a pharmacist in your own home.

Next

Question 7

Please answer yes if:

• you have diabetes, arthritis or parkinson’s disease; or you have had a stroke or problems with your heart or circulation

Yes No

Manage your health

Many health conditions can increase your risk of falling.

Next

Question 8

Has it been more than 12 months since your eyes were tested or your glasses

checked?

Yes No

Regularly check your eyesight

Your eyesight may change in a number of ways as you get older.

Next

You have finished the falls risk checklist!

If you answered “yes” to one or more of these questions you are at risk of falling. The good news is that there are steps you

can take now to reduce your risk.

To learn more on how to stay active, independent and on your feet, talk to a Stay On Your Feet WA® representative.

Visit: www.stayonyourfeet.com.au

Phone: (08) 9420 7212 or

Email: soyfwa@iccwa.org.au

Falls prevention:Nine steps to stay on

your feet®

What are you going to do to stay on your feet®?

Nine Steps To Stay On Your Feet®

Step 1: Be Active

Step 2: Manage Your Medicines

Step 3: Manage Your Health

Step 4: Improve Your Balance

Step 5: Walk Tall

Step 6: Foot Care and Safe Footwear

Step 7: Regularly Check Your Eyesight

Step 8: Eat Well for Life

Step 9: Identify, Remove and Report Hazards

Thank you

For enquiries please contact:

The Stay On Your Feet WA® TeamPhone: (08) 9420 7212

Email: soyfwa@iccwa.org.au

Visit: www.stayonyourfeet.com.au