Fall Prevention Clinic with St. John Fisher
As we move into the winter the likeliness of falls increases, especially in older adults. We are fortunate that St. John Fisher taught a fall prevention clinic free to our residents at St. John’s Meadows. These classes provided simple safety tips, fall prevention exercises, and interventions. This research project began with St. John Fisher nursing students trying to better understand how to reduce fall risks and improve multiple aspects of our residents’ health. Many of the suggestions offered, like Tai Chi, are available for residents on the St. John’s Meadows campus through our robust recreation department. The class gave our residents an array of tips to incorporate in their daily routine that will help them see positive changes. The following list of activities can improve: gait, the ability to walk, balance, strength, and overall stance.
Balance:
- Weight shifting
- Improving posture
- Balancing on one foot
- Eye and head movements
- Walking heel to toe
- Tai Chi
- Swimming
- Going for a walk
- Using a bike or elliptical
Mobility:
- Heel raises and toe raises
- Knee extensions
- Ankle rotations
- Stretching
- Marching in place
- Swimming laps or water walking
- Leg raises
- Air punches
- Arm circles
- Calf raises
Strength:
- Toe taps
- Slow motion high knees
- Side lunges
- Leg raises
- Weighted ball exercises
- Weight lifting exercises
- Couch or chair dips
General Activities:
- Walking or jogging
- Swimming
- Water walking
- Zumba
- Dancing
- Yoga
- Biking
- Elliptical
- Tennis
- Gold
- Hiking
Lifestyle:
- Proper footwear
- Balanced diet
- Proper lighting in your home
- Walking devices
- Safety equipment (alert buttons)
- Having an accountability partner to encourage and support you