A representative from Daley’s Ambulance will present an informational seminar titled “How to Fall Properly” at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, at The Timbers of Shorewood, 1100 N. River Rd., Shorewood.
Each year, one in three seniors suffers a fall. Falling can cause serious injury especially for seniors whose bones may be more brittle.
When a senior falls, it is important that he or she remain on the ground, lying still, for a few moments. During this time a self-assessment should be performed to determine possible injury. If there is an injury, the senior should remain on the ground and the caregiver should call 911.
If there is no apparent injury, a senior should begin getting up by:
• rolling to one side and resting there for a moment to allow the body and blood pressure to adjust;
• crawling on hands and knees to the nearest sturdy chair;
• putting hands on the seat of the chair and sliding one foot forward, so it is flat on the floor, while keeping the other knee on the floor; and
• slowly rising and turning the body to sit in the chair.
Although a fall cannot always be avoided, there are ways to cut the chances of having one. For example, it is important to learn how to balance properly through low-intensity exercise and to practice getting up after an accident. Modifying one’s home environment to better suite changing needs is also helpful.
Daley’s Ambulance has been serving Illinois for nearly 70 years, and the Joliet area since 2012. Started by John “Bud” Daley in 1950, the ambulance service remains a family-owned and family-operated business that offers emergency and non-emergency ambulance and Medicar transportation as well as assistance with slips and falls, health and safety presentations and return trips from hospitals.
The Timbers of Shorewood is a rental retirement community which provides independent and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay – a weekend, a week, a month or longer.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information call 815-609-0669.
