Good Samaritan recognizes Fall Prevention Month

FONTANELLE — September is Fall Prevention Month. Robyn Peterson, an occupational therapist assistant with Good Samaritan Society wants people to know that if they’ve fallen in their home or think they’re at risk of doing so, there’s help available to them in their recovery and preventing such a thing from happening again.

“The amount of people who end up in the hospital, the majority of them are from falls and hazards that are preventable in their homes,” Peterson said. “Between checking your environment, exercise, getting your eyes tested, there are falls that are preventable. Those can be life-changing events for someone.”

According to information provided by Good Samaritan Society, one in four people 65 and older fall each year. More than 95% of hip fractures in older adults are caused by falls. Every 20 minute, an older adult dies because of a fall.

Four things a person can do to prevent falls are talking openly with healthcare providers about fall risks and prevention, exercising to improve balance and strength, checking your eyes and feet so you have good vision and good footwear to maintain good balance and making your home safer by removing tripping hazards like papers, books, clothes and shoes; removing throw rugs; installing grab bars; using non-slip mats in the bathroom and on shower floors; improving lighting and having handrails in all staircase areas.

“Oftentimes when we have someone who has fallen at home, goes to the hospital and then comes to the nursing home for skilled therapy, we typically do a home safety assessment prior to sending them home to see what we can change in their environment so this hopefully won’t happen again,” Peterson said.

Peterson said that one advantage to Fontanelle’s facility is that patients who come there after a fall or injury can remain there for their therapy services even after they move home, and they can keep their same therapist.

Peterson has worked in nursing homes, in some capacity, since she was 14. She began as a certified nursing assistant, then worked in a laundry and dietary department in a Good Samaritan facility in Minnesota, and eventually the career stuck as something very rewarding to her.

“I love the geriatric people. They’re very appreciative of what we do for them and we can learn a lot from them as well,” Peterson said.

Peterson said those with concerns, or those having falls, should call the Good Samaritan Society at 641-745-4191 and ask for her, and they will help set up services for that person.

“Anybody from the community or surrounding communities are welcome. If they know a loved one is falling, please reach out,” Peterson.