SOSMagAprilJune2021

By Melissa Gibboney, OTD, OTR/L “I don’t know what happened. I took a step and it was like my foot couldn’t find the floor.” Joanne, a 90 year old, Huron resident, is not alone in that one in three Ohioans, age 65-plus who are living independently, fall each year. An older Ohioan falls every minute, resulting in an injury every five minutes. Losing functional independence as a result of falling is very real. Joanne landed on her side just around 10 a.m. She scooted herself up to a chair, alerted her family, and EMS was called. She fractured her pelvis, requiring rehab before she could return home. Why did Joanne fall? She reports possible dizziness or impaired sensation in her feet – “It’s like walking on bubble wrap.” At the time of her fall socks were her only footwear. Joanne continues to recover at home, pain free. She uses her rollator/walker for extra stability and wears shoes that fit her feet. They have firm arch support with non-slip rubber soles. She now puts her shoes on each morning stating, “I don’t want that to happen again.” CDC FALL PREVENTION TIPS: Exercise your balance, discuss your medications with your doctor(s), get annual eye check-ups, and make your home safer. Falls are not a normal part of aging. For more information on how Serving Our Seniors can help you prevent falling call us at 419-624-1856. Walking on Bubble Wrap Discover how easy it is to give back to your community. Our vehicle donation program offers an effortless and secure way to give. Serving Our Seniors accepts all types of vehicles. Pick up is free whether the vehicle is running or not. Call 1-855-500-7433, seven days a week to donate your car, schedule your pick-up and we will take it from there. If you would like Serving Our Seniors to help you to make the call, just let us know. Call 419-624-1856 and ask for Brenda or Sue. We’re happy to help you. Have an Old Vehicle to Donate to Serving Our Seniors? 16