Free training for home health care workers aims to prevent falls among elderly

A free fall prevention curriculum is being offered to home health care workers by the National Council on Aging and Bronx, NY-based health care worker advocate PHI.

The curriculum -- which consists of two three-hour, in-service trainings -- seeks to increase worker awareness of common fall hazards and improve communication skills. It also includes pre- and post-training exams.

"The incidence of falls can be reduced through lifestyle adjustments and intervention programs," said Jim Firman, president of Washington-based NCOA. "Working with PHI, we can greatly expand training options for the dedicated home health aides who provide so much of the day-to-day care to older Americans."

Falls continue to be the leading cause of injury and injury death among older Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.



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