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October 8, 2009

VNA fire fighters helping seniors put best foot forward

VNA, Fire DEpartment team up for fall prevention program

By Venessa Rotondi

The Derry Fire Department and the Rockingham Visiting Nurses Association have joined forces to help ensure the safety of Derry's elderly population with a new Fall Prevention Program.

The program is designed, specifically, to help those people who've already suffered a signficant fall, from repeating the trauma.

According to Chuck Hemeon, director of EMS services in Derry, one out of every three people in the Unitd States, over the age of 65, falls each year. Two-thirds of those who fall, fall again within a six-month period. These falls are the leading cause of serious injuries among seniors.

Hemeon says EMS respnded to 301 such falls in Derry this last year, or nearly six a week. Fifty of the victims refused to be taken to the hospital or see a medical expert. Unfortunately, many of these cases were or had repeat incidents. Hemeon said that sadly, for those who refuse help, it's "so predicable that they'll fall again."

In the past, when a person refused medican treatment, there was nothing left for EMS. This often left responders feeling helpless. However, a new solution is available.

Through their Fall Prevention Program, the Fire Department and VNA are making a collaborative effort to help save lives, while trying to prevent the individual from losing his or her independence as well as from being injured in the future.

"It gives my group that little extra piece," Hemeon said proudly.

Those who refuse help are now being given a packet explaining the Fall Prevention Program, including all of the services of the VNA and how they can help. The Fire Department assist them in getting the care they need.

The home care options provided by the VNA include nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, social workers, a hospice program, and wound and diabetes care.

The VNA helps seniors to be less fearful of losing their independence and less fearful of being taken from their homes. They provide options never offered before.

"It really makes sense," agrees Hemeon, "People shouldn't be fearful."

The way the program works is that once the Fire Department receives a call, and the victim refuses to go see a doctor, they are given the pamphlet. It is that person's choice to call and schedule the VNA to come and assess the home.

"The patient has the choice," says Cathy Garrett, community relations specialist from the VNA. "We have great resources available."

The VNA works with an individual's doctor to get permission to enter the patient's home. Once the VNA assesses the situation, they can make small changes to help, such as moving furniture, or fixing a lighting situation.

After this they can determine what other care is necessary for each individual. It may be something small, but each step to help is something significantly big.

Although many seniors rely on their children to help out, it's not guaranteed that there will always be someone around to help. With the VNA, that changes. They will revisit until they feel the situation is safe and properly fixed.

"People fall all the time," Garrett explains, "And a lot of the falls we can prevent."

For more information about the VNA, visit www.VNAA.org or www.exeterhospital.com. They can also be reached by phone at 1-800-540-2981.

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