RESIDENTS AT HERITAGE POINTE OF TEANECK LEARN IMPORTANT TIPS TO PREVENT DANGEROUS FALLS IN AND OUT OF THE HOME Risk Factors and Lifestyle Changes are Part of Safety for Older Adults
TEANECK, N.J., Jan. 27, 2011 – Representatives from Bergen Care Home Health, a home health care agency in Westwood, spoke to residents at Heritage Pointe of Teaneck recently about preventing falls and staying safe in the home. The program, titled “Don’t Let a Fall be Your Last Trip,” is part of the educational seminar series offered through the alliance Heritage Pointe has created with Bergen County healthcare facilities and practitioners for residents at the full-service retirement community.
The seminar was presented by Rehabilitation Manager Shelley Portnoff, PT (second from right), Alex Plotkin, administrator (third from right), and Joanne Manole (third from left, back row), director of business development for the agency. Among the topics discussed were the warning signs among older adults of being at risk for falls such as vision loss, medications, and chronic health problems which can all affect balance and cognition; the seriousness of falls in the older population, which are the leading cause of hospitalization and doctor visits among seniors; and the importance of yearly vision and physical checkups, medication review, and exercise. The presenters also shared helpful tips for home safety such as removing clutter and throw rugs, keeping the home well lit, and reorganizing closets and cabinets so that everything is easily accessible. Attendees included Heritage Pointe residents (L-R) Carol Toron, AnnaMarie Dobler, Lillian Cohen, Arlene Rubinson, and Louis Ciulla.