California assisted living center offers fall prevention assessment

Falls in older adults have long been identified as one of the most important areas of safety when it comes to providing eldercare. The San Bernadino Sun reports that one California assisted living facility is offering advice on how those caring for loved ones may best reduce the risk of them experiencing a fall.


According to the news source, Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice of Southern California provides free presentations that help individuals identify potential hazards.

The program begins with an assessment of the home, and then an expert gives details on how to make it safer.


"They look at everyday things, a functional assessment of what happens during the day, like bathing, working in the kitchen and getting in and out of the car," rehabilitation organizer Starla Howard told the news provider.


In addition to ensuring that a space is free of hazards such as cords, bunched carpets and other small items that can cause falls, experts suggest that weight exercise, squats and bicycling can all increase leg strength.


The Centers for Disease Control reports that more than one third of adults in the United States over the age of 65 fall each year.


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