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Tribune News Network
Doha
HELD under the theme ‘Prevention is Better than a Cure’, Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Home Health Care Service recently organised a workshop for elderly patients, their families and home support workers as part of ongoing efforts to prevent fall-related injuries and reduce the severity of injuries when falls do occur. Around 85 participants attended the workshops, which were held in Arabic and English.
Fatima al Bolari, head of Health Education at HMC’s Home Health Care Service, said caring for elderly patients is a substantial part of her team’s workload. She said her teams see the effects of falls on a daily basis not just in terms of physical harm, but also the knock-on effects, such as anxiety and decreased confidence.
“HMC’s Home Health Care Service provides support and care for around 2,000 elderly patients. In 2018, our teams cared for 209 patients who had experienced falls, and many of those patients had complications from the injuries sustained as a result of their fall,” said Bolari. “Falls represent a significant threat to the health and independence of older adults and each year we organise three annual workshops for our patients, their families,” added Bolari.
Jihan Mohammed, health educator, Home Health Care Service, and the main organiser of the workshops, said falls are not inevitable and many can be prevented. She said a key objective of the interactive four-and-a-half-hour workshops is to provide practical information on reducing fall risks.
“A fall can indicate an underlying health problem and many older people experience recurrent falls, which can lead to serious health complications such as bone fractures. There are many reasons why ageing adults fall, including illness or weakness, inappropriate footwear, foot abnormalities and misuse of assist devices such as walkers or canes,” said Jihan.
As part of the workshop, participants viewed images and videos of fall hazards in and outside the home.
The role of medications and injuries as risk factors for falls was discussed and workshop presenters highlighted the importance of healthy habits, such as staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet, as a strategy for preventing falls. Family members and support workers were also trained on the proper use of fall detection and assistive devices.
Attendees were provided with practical tips to help prevent falls, including wearing appropriate footwear and hazard proofing the home by removing slip or trip hazards like loose rugs or mats, and repairing or replacing worn areas of carpets. The importance of wiping up spills immediately, keeping walkways in good repair and clean, and making sure there is adequate lighting, especially at night, was also discussed.
Doha
HELD under the theme ‘Prevention is Better than a Cure’, Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) Home Health Care Service recently organised a workshop for elderly patients, their families and home support workers as part of ongoing efforts to prevent fall-related injuries and reduce the severity of injuries when falls do occur. Around 85 participants attended the workshops, which were held in Arabic and English.
Fatima al Bolari, head of Health Education at HMC’s Home Health Care Service, said caring for elderly patients is a substantial part of her team’s workload. She said her teams see the effects of falls on a daily basis not just in terms of physical harm, but also the knock-on effects, such as anxiety and decreased confidence.
“HMC’s Home Health Care Service provides support and care for around 2,000 elderly patients. In 2018, our teams cared for 209 patients who had experienced falls, and many of those patients had complications from the injuries sustained as a result of their fall,” said Bolari. “Falls represent a significant threat to the health and independence of older adults and each year we organise three annual workshops for our patients, their families,” added Bolari.
Jihan Mohammed, health educator, Home Health Care Service, and the main organiser of the workshops, said falls are not inevitable and many can be prevented. She said a key objective of the interactive four-and-a-half-hour workshops is to provide practical information on reducing fall risks.
“A fall can indicate an underlying health problem and many older people experience recurrent falls, which can lead to serious health complications such as bone fractures. There are many reasons why ageing adults fall, including illness or weakness, inappropriate footwear, foot abnormalities and misuse of assist devices such as walkers or canes,” said Jihan.
As part of the workshop, participants viewed images and videos of fall hazards in and outside the home.
The role of medications and injuries as risk factors for falls was discussed and workshop presenters highlighted the importance of healthy habits, such as staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet, as a strategy for preventing falls. Family members and support workers were also trained on the proper use of fall detection and assistive devices.
Attendees were provided with practical tips to help prevent falls, including wearing appropriate footwear and hazard proofing the home by removing slip or trip hazards like loose rugs or mats, and repairing or replacing worn areas of carpets. The importance of wiping up spills immediately, keeping walkways in good repair and clean, and making sure there is adequate lighting, especially at night, was also discussed.
