Falls prevention

Live stronger for longer

To preserve bone health:

  • Eat a balanced diet
  • Limit alcohol 
  • Stop smoking,
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Have adequate sun expose and keep active

Safe footwear 

  • A supportive back strap or heel cup /back counter
  • Low, wide heels (the higher the heel the more pressure is felt in the toe joints)
  • A bit of support under the arch
  • A shoe that is the right length and width for your foot (particularly if you have bunions)
  • Laces, buckles or velcro that hold the foot firmly in the shoe
  • A bit of flexibility in the front of the shoe
  • Toe area that is deep and wide enough to allow your toes to move
  • Have a non-slip sole/socks
  • Thinner soles that allow your feet to ‘read’ the surface you are walking on

Floors:

  • Remove anything in the pathway that could cause the person to trip
  • Remove scatter mats
  • Replace uneven, damaged flooring
  • Replace rippled carpets
  • Avoid waxing floors
  • Ensure doorsills are no more than one inch high
  • Clean up spills immediately
  • Tie up or secure extension cords

Keep Pathways Clear:

  • Keep pathways and the driveway level, in good repair, free of clutter and clear of ice and snow
  • Paint step edges a contrasting colour

Increase Bathroom Safety:

  • Use a non-slip bath mat
  • Utilize a hand-held shower
  • Use a bath chair or bath bench
  • Install a raised toilet seat
  • Secure appropriately-placed grab bars by the tub and toilet
  • Place night lights in the bathroom and the hallway to the bathroom

Enhance Accessibility:

  • Keep glasses and keys in consistent places
  • Label cupboards with the name of the contents
  • Install railings on the stairs and in hallways
  • Keep mobility aids close by
  • Keep a cell phone handy at all times
  • Place emergency numbers by the phone
  • Consider purchasing a medic alarm

If you would like to find out more about how you can access falls prevention services please contact Maree Donaldson on 06 8690500 extn 8377 or 021 392 894.

Fall prevention and fracture liaison services sit within Te Ara Tiaki Pakeke the healthy ageing team. 

 

For more information on the Fracture Liasion Service to reduce the risk of suffering a subsequent fracture. 

For more information on how to reduce dementia-related falls: Reduce-Dementia-Related-Falls-in-Home-Pamphlet.docx

Osteoporosis

Both women and men suffer from osteoporosis; osteoporosis and the fractures that it causes occur in women and men aged 50 years and over. Some younger people develop osteoporosis on account of having specific medical conditions, or as a side effect of taking certain medicines

For more information on Osteoporosis from Bone Health New Zealand or go to Osteoporosis New Zealand website.

You can visit the following falls-related websites by clicking on the links below: 

Information about Nymbl

To download the free Nymbl app, go to Google Play Store on your android phone or smart TV. 

If you are using an Apple device, visit the Apple Store to download the app.

Live stronger for longer website 

Find a strength and balance class

Hip fracture information 

 

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