Health Notes Health Notes (May 11, 2005)

PREVENT A FALL ... Seniors who have taken a bad spill recently but want to maintain their independence may be interested in a new service by . Stanford Hospital, the Menlo Park and Palo Alto fire departments and community physicians . The program, called Farewell to Falls, focuses on three key issues: medication review, exercise, and home modification. "Studies show that approximately 50 percent of seniors who fall will experience a second fall, said Rochelle Dicker, a trauma surgeon at Stanford Hospital and Clinics. "Our program is designed to reach out to seniors who have recently fallen and give them the opportunity to reduce their chances of falling again by introducing prevention techniques and mobility exercises. The program consists of two home-based visits with follow-up phone calls and an annual evaluation visit. During the first visit, an occupational therapist introduces fall prevention strategies, screens for balance and mobility and conducts a medication review with the Stanford Pharmacy Department. A home assessment with recommendations for environmental changes occurs during the second home visit when the senior will be given a Sit and be Fit video to work on balance and strength following an exercise routine. After this visit, the senior will be connected with a phone friend volunteer who will call once a week to answer questions and provide support. One year after the last home visit, the occupational therapist will return to reassess the senior's mobility and measure improvement. The program hopes to provide these services to approximately three seniors a week. For more information about the program, contact Ellen Corman , injury prevention and special projects coordinator at 650-724-9369.

QUALITY CARE ... Pauline Timm , director of health services for Avenidas Senior Day Health Center, was recently honored with the California Association for Adult Day Services Quality Clinical Care Award. Pauline was chosen for her devotion, excellence and commitment to quality care for her innovation in designing and implementing a bladder training program at the Avenidas Senior Day Health Center. Each year, CAADS selects just one recipient statewide for the honor. Avenidas Senior Day Health Center offers essential, low-cost care for the community's older residents. For more information about Avenidas or Pauline, call 650-494-8018.

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