Getting Hip to Fall Prevention
Falling is a major cause of injury among Canadian seniors. Statistics show that 85% of all senior injury-related hospitalizations are caused by falls, with falls being the cause of 95% of all hip fractures. So what can be done?
Staying active and educated are two incredibly important ways to keep from becoming part of those statistics.
- Heather Wiebe, Kinesiologist at United’s Garrison Green
As part of Fall Prevention Month in November, United’s full-time kinesiologists, Heather at Garrison Green and Cynthia Chiu and Amanda Rande at Fish Creek, have created a wide range of activities including risk assessments, exercises, games and education for residents to increase their overall health by improving balance, strength and proprioceptive awareness (the body’s ability to sense its location, movements and actions).
Garrison Green resident Nigel Way working with kinesiologist Heather Wiebe.
We have chosen two valid and reliable tests to provide residents with insight into their fall risk as part of the Fall Prevention Month activities.
The Berg Balance and TUG tests give us information to help our residents understand their fall risk and what they can do to improve their balance.
- Cynthia Chiu, Kinesiologist at Fish Creek
The Berg balance scale is used to determine a person’s ability to balance during a series of 14 tasks. The Timed Up and Go test, known simply as the TUG test, is used to assess a person’s mobility to get out of a chair, walk a short distance, then return to the chair.
Being educated about fall prevention is very important as we age.
Balance can affect an individual’s risk of falling, so completing assessments, staying active and being educated are all important components.
- Cynthia Chiu, Kinesiologist at Fish Creek
Fish Creek resident Hugh Balkwill has Parkinson’s so is very aware of balance.
Cynthia assessed my ability to balance and I do exercises to help me improve my sense of balance. Because of my work with her and Amanda, I’m more aware now of my concerns with balance so I use a walker or walking poles to improve my stability.
Just being aware of your limitations is an important first step in improving balance.
- Hugh Balkwill, Fish Creek Resident
Fish Creek resident Hugh Balkwill practices his balance.
One of the interactive, social and team programs is based on well-known TV programs such as Jeopardy and Family Feud where residents are challenged to find the right answers, and/or participate in the physical challenge, which also improves their knowledge and skills around fall prevention.
Another program is a floor-to-standing workshop where we teach residents how to return to standing should they take a fall. It’s an area that doesn’t get much attention, however we think is very important to a plan if a fall happens.
- Heather Wiebe, Kinesiologist at United’s Garrison Green
Garrison Green resident Allan Holbrook practices his balance with the parallel bars.
Garrison Green resident Allan Holbrook is involved in the fall prevention programming.
It can be quite debilitating when a person falls. I’ve been lucky. I’ve had the odd fall but haven’t broken anything. But I now work with Heather on exercises to keep my balance and strength up.
- Heather Wiebe, Kinesiologist at United’s Garrison Green
While fall prevention and balance gets a special focus in November, they are foundations of all of United’s fitness programs.
“This month we amplify our educational strategies around fall prevention for the residents to participate in. There are different levels of mobility in our community so we offer a variety of programs to address this, ranging from physical challenges and assessments to educational and game-style learning so all residents can be involved. They know how important preventing a fall is so they are eager to engage in the activities and discussion,” said Heather.
Wondering if a Retirement Living Community like United Active Living is right for you or a loved one?
- United's residences are perfect for you if you love being creative, enjoy lifelong learning, and experiencing new things.
- United's residences are perfect for you if you do not want to be defined by your medical conditions, but rather want to live life on your terms - focused on your strengths, abilities and interests.
Here is what our residents say about living at one of United Active Living's residences:
...two steps below heaven.
Living at Garrison Green is like two steps below heaven. It really really is. Everything is provided.
- Trudy Martin | Resident
We never separate couples based on their medical needs.
"We are completely satisfied that United Active Living will be providing for us as a couple. We can be independent if we like to. And we can have assistance if we like to. But we can go through it together."
- Sharyn & Landis Krause | Residents
...the level of lifelong learning experience
"When I saw the level of lifelong learning experience that United offered, it only took me a week to decide that this was a place I wanted to live."
- Diane Osberg | Resident
Give us a call or visit our information pages below to learn more!
United Active Living's Garrison Green
3028 Don Ethell Boulevard SW
Calgary, AB T3E 0C9
United Active Living's Fish Creek
51 Providence Boulevard SE
Calgary, AB T2X 0X2
"I’m thankful that I’m here"
I’m thankful that I’m here. If I was in my own home, I wouldn’t be going anywhere. I would be quite concerned being on my own, but I don’t feel that here.
"applauded for going above and beyond"
The employees are to be applauded for going above and beyond to help to keep a positive environment. Today, there are more programs opening up, more exercise classes and more programs in the theatre.
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