FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Sept 4, 2017

LAMOILLE HOME HEALTH & HOSPICE OFFERS FALLS PREVENTION WORKSHOPS IN RECOGNITION OF FALLS PREVENTION MONTH.

Morrisville, VT: Lamoille Home Health & Hospice is pleased to present a series of Falls Prevention workshops in support of Falls Prevention month and in cooperation with S.A.S.H. to raise awareness among older adults and their families, elder care professionals, and the general public about fall risks and ways to reduce them. The 10th annual Falls Prevention Awareness Day (FPAD) will be observed on Sept. 22, 2017—the first day of Fall in support of this important health care issue.

LHH&H Workshops, lead by members of our Physical Therapy staff, are scheduled for:
Friday, September 22, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at Mann’s Meadow in Jeffersonville.
Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. at the Lamoille Senior Center in Morrisville.

Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths, unintentional injuries and hospital admissions for trauma. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls among older adults are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal unintentional injuries in the United States. Falling is also the leading cause of emergency department visits for people in this age range.

One out of three older people fall each year, but fewer than half tell their doctor and falling. This doubles the chance of falling again. The average hospital cost for a fall injury is over $30,000 and more than 95% of hip fractures are caused by falling. Based on data from the 2014 Vermont Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance Survey:

•125 Vermont adults, age 65 or older, died as the result of a fall.
•More than 1,600 older adults in Vermont were hospitalized and an additional 5,445 went to local emergency departments due to a fall.
•8 in 10 Vermont adults, who are 65 years and older, have at least one chronic condition. People who have had at least one fall are significantly more likely to have at least one chronic condition, compared to people who have not had a fall.

Falls can be reduced through interventions such as a fall risk assessment by a health professional; regular physical activity to increase balance, strength, and flexibility; and home assessment and modification. Older adults are encouraged to discuss possible fall risks with their doctor, get their vision checked, have their pharmacist review their medications, and contact a local senior center to see what services they offer.

For additional information, please visit the Fall Prevention Center of Excellence’s website, www.stopfalls.org, or contact LHH&H at either 802-888-4651 or visit our website at www.lhha.org.

LHH&H has served Lamoille County as its sole nonprofit home health and hospice agency for 45 years. The Agency provides skilled nursing, physical, occupational and speech therapies, personal care and homemaker services, medical social services, hospice care and bereavement support. Its mission is to support health, independence and dignity through quality care in the home. For more information about LHH&H services, contact, Mary L. Collins, Marketing Director. (802) 888-4651.