21/10/2014
Old Folk you know may be walking on a tightrope - have a look at this
•*Extended awareness programmes for older people, their carers and health
professionals in relation to the common causes of accidents in the home.
• *The promotion of healthy ageing practises – for example, reduced smoking and
increased exercise, especially among women, could reduce the incidence of
osteoporosis and therefore of fractures in later life.
•*The promotion of greater awareness among older people about the side-effects of
some medications – for instance, the danger of accidents as a result of the drowsiness
brought on by some medicines.
• *Educational programmes to improve knowledge and safety skills by: identifying risk
factors; identifying older people’s concerns about accidents; identifying safety hazards
in the home and local environment; assisting with taking preventive measures;
assisting in eradicating hazards, and encouraging and motivating older people to
resume regular activities as soon as possible after accidents.
• *Other recommendations made in relation to the risk of accidents include: recognition
and correction of sight problems; encouraging physical activity to maintain mobility
and improve balance, and programmes on prevention of osteoporosis, alcohol misuse
and some mental disorders.
•
*Encouraging the provision of alarm or alert systems. Such alarm systems inform
relevant emergency services in the event of a medical emergency or a threat to
personal security. They may be provided by health boards, voluntary groups or
commercial firms. In the HeSSOP study which surveyed older people living in the
community, 19% of respondents reported that they owned a fully functioning personal
alarm. In general, they saw the alarm system as a comforting security aid that could be
used to obtain help in the event of a medical emergency rather than as a device that
provided enhanced personal security.
