Peabody Nursing Home Program Aims To Prevent Falls

CareOne: The leading cause of serious injuries among senior citizens is an accident at home resulting in a bone fracture or head trauma that could have been prevented, according to CareOne at Peabody Administrator Ryan Murphy, who said that more than 90 percent of the residents in the center’s rehabilitation service are recovering from injuries suffered at home.

CareOne, which has 15 centers throughout Massachusetts, is working to educate seniors and their families about easy steps they can take to reduce the risk of falling. They are also starting the CareOne “Stay UP” exercise program at local malls where seniors can walk in the morning to strengthen their legs and improve their respiration. “At home falls are more common than people think,” said Murphy. “One minute you are walking into the kitchen and then your foot or clothing catches on something and you suffer a serious injury.”

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2.8 million falls are reported every year by hospital emergency departments and are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of nonfatal trauma related hospital admissions among older adults. CareOne has created some preventative tips for seniors and their families with expert advice on how to prepare your home to reduce falls. Among those tips are:
 Reduce clutter in the home, particularly floor clutter
 Have a professional install grip bars or railings in the bathroom for easier use of the shower or toilet
 Eliminate scatter rugs that can easily trip someone because they are loose
 Dress comfortably, but beware of wearing loose hanging clothing that can get caught on a doorknob or another protruding objects. The Stay UP Tips are free and available by calling 978-531-0772. Ask for Ryan Murphy or Susan Lamkins and ask about our Mall Walk program.