Fall Prevention and Safety*
Posted on October 1, 2016
Did you know that one in three adults over age 65 fall each year? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in five of those falls result in a serious injury such as a broken bone or head injury and may require hospitalization.
As we get older, many factors can increase our risk of falling. Risk factors include balance problems, leg weakness, dizziness, some medications, dehydration, and home hazards like floor clutter, throw rugs or a broken stair. Often times, it’s a combination of some of these factors that causes a fall.
How to prevent falls
A fall is not inevitable. There are many things you can do to help yourself or a loved one prevent a fall.
- Exercise – By doing exercises that help improve balance and strength, you can be more stable on your feet. Tai Chi is one type of exercise that can help.
- Ask your doctor – Your doctor can evaluate your risks for falling and check or adjust your medications. Some medications can cause dizziness.
- Check your vision – Visiting an eye doctor at least once a year to check your eyes and glasses may help you avoid some risks. Vision issues or improper glasses can cause falls.
- Fall-proof your home – Ensure that your home is safe and has good lighting. Eliminate any tripping hazards. Install handrails on both sides of stairs, install tub/shower grab bars, use a non-slip tub mat, remove throw rugs, and keep frequently used items within reach on low shelves.
Source: cdc.gov
Health New England can also help
As part of your Health New England Medicare Advantage plan, you can use your Fitness Center/Weight Watchers®/Over-the-Counter Items Allowance to help with fall prevention. This combined benefit provides reimbursement of up to $150 per calendar year for a fitness center membership and over-the-counter items, which include shower chairs, bathtub benches, grab bars, raised toilet seats and more. By taking advantage of this allowance, you can help decrease your risk of falling.
In addition, Health New England regularly holds seminars for members focused on health and safety topics, including fall prevention. Flyers about upcoming seminars and events are mailed directly to Medicare Advantage members’ homes. Be on the look-out.
Medicare Advantage members who attended a recent fall prevention session had the following to say about the program:
“Excellent. Useful!”
“Fantastic. It was all very informational.”
“It was an excellent program and strongly needed.”
“I found this evening very informative and helpful.”
“Extremely informative.”
H8578_2017_502 Approved
What if I need non-emergency care after normal business hours?*
Because medical problems may occur at any time, Health New England asks our primary care providers (PCPs) to be on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Talk to your PCP to find out about arrangements for care after normal business hours. At times, you may reach your PCP’s
answering service. Also, you may reach the doctor who is on call for your PCP.
If you reach an answering service:
- Say that you are a Health New England member
- Give your name and phone number
- Describe your symptoms
- Ask for your doctor or the on-call doctor to call you back
H8578_2016_491 Approved
*Health New England Medicare Advantage is an HMO Plan with a Medicare contract. Enrollment in Health New England Medicare Advantage depends on contract renewal. This information is not a complete description of benefits. Contact the plan for more information. Limitations, copayments and restrictions may apply. Benefits, premiums and/or copayments/coinsurance may change on January 1 of each year.
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