Fall prevention programme helps elders stay safe and healthy

Falls in elders may lead to bone fracture and severe injuries. In order to raise their awareness of fall prevention, Caritas Medical Centre (CMC) co-organised ‘The Community Fall Prevention Programme for Elderly’ with elderly health centres in the district. The total participation reached 2,200 person-times.

CMC provided training to 150 ambassador volunteers who assisted in inspecting walking aids and replacing worn out parts for elders; carried out community-based fall assessment for potential cases; and visited elderly residents, who are living alone or with limited mobility, to identify at-risk individuals. Senior citizens also attended talks on fall prevention and health education. Muscle strength training and balancing gait exercises were organised for seniors by physiotherapists and occupational therapists. Fall Prevention Promotion Day was also held to promulgate tips on fall prevention with a view to reducing the number of in-patients due to fractures.