Fall Prevention Communication

It is true that fall prevention strategies should emphasize communication, education, and training, creating safer environments, prioritizing fall-related research and establishing effective policies to reduce risk. However, on a personal note, fall prevention starts with a talk with the elder. As caregivers and loved ones, it is important to talk to your elder; this is because the situations that surround each elder are peculiar to that elder and cannot be the same with other elders. This is why the place of proper and effective communication cannot be substituted.

Talking is one of the easiest ways to create awareness and encourage actions against falls. The great thing about this is that you don’t have to be a fall expert to talk to your elder, family or loved one.

As a caregiver or family member here are a few tips to help you talk to your elder in order to get the best result.

Be kind and open:

Kindness and transparency are key to connecting with elders and for them to open up to you, they must be sure that they can trust you.

Avoid judging:

Avoid judgemental words, actions and expressions when communicating with an elder; create a safe place and space for them with the way you relate and communicate.

Practice assertive communication:

As much as you need to be kind and homely towards your elders it is important to be firm when necessary especially when it comes to the behaviour and adherence of the elders to their health. Let them understand that their wellbeing is important to you as much as it is to them. Hence, the need for their cooperation.

Be their support and listen to their concerns:

As families, friends and caregivers, it is important to be a listening ear and a shoulder for the elders to cry on. Create an enabling environment for them to see you as one as well.

Follow the fall communication process below.

FALL PREVENTION COMMUNICATION PROCESS
Ask Questions >>> Listen >>> Share experiences >>> Share Facts >>> Ask Questions.

The first step towards a successful fall communication process is to ask questions, relating to the elders fall history, health, wellbeing etc. Proceed to listen to their concerns, share your experiences with them and also share important facts that they need to know, and then conclude by asking questions to get feedback and ascertain that communication was effective.

See our article on WHY FALL PREVENTION IS IMPORTANT…

You can join the awareness week by:

✔️ Registering:
✔️ Sharing our resource information.
✔️ Support by filling the  personalized badge flier: https://getdp.co/FPA2022
✔️ Use our Hashtag on all posts related to fall prevention across all social media platforms.

#rcecfallprevention2022