BATON ROUGE, La.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Amedisys, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMED) today shared key tips and facts about the importance of managing fall risks for seniors as part of its education efforts during September, which is Falls Prevention Month.

“As the number one cause for hospitalization and emergency care among the elderly, falls can lead to potentially severe injuries such as hip fractures and head traumas, and can even increase the risk of early death,” said Ted Kimbrell, senior vice president of therapy services at Amedisys. “Our falls prevention education, physical and occupational therapy programs such as Balanced for Life and falls risk assessments all help prevent falls in the home that is crucial to senior health and independence.”

To prevent falls, Amedisys recommends the following:

• If you’re feeling dizzy, sit down for a few minutes. Symptoms such as dizziness, unsteady gait, light-headedness, or loss of equilibrium increase the chances for a fall
• Wear sturdy shoes and/or non-skid socks
• Keep your home well-lit, placing lights in hallways, stairways, and bathrooms
• Clear walkways of clutter, electrical cords, etc.
• Get rid of throw rugs or use double-sided tape to secure them down
• Use handrails on stairways and in bathrooms
• Use non-slip rubber mats in the bathtub and shower
• Clean up spills once they happen
• Know about any side-effects of medication that could potentially lead to a fall
• Exercise to improve strength, balance, and coordination (always check with your doctor before starting a new exercise routine)
• If you live in a region that gets wintery weather, consider putting special cleats on your shoes to prevent you from slipping on the snow and ice

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC):

• One in three adults age 65 and older falls each year; this increases to one in two for those 80 and over
• The cost of fall-related injuries is projected to reach nearly $55 billion by 2020—CDC’s National Center for Injury and Prevention Control
• The majority of falls take place in the home

Amedisys encourages the elderly, their caregivers and everyone to take simple precautions in their homes all year round. Falls have serious health and lifestyle consequences, avoiding them will help people live healthier, more independent lives.

For more information please see the company’s Falls Prevention Infographic at: http://www.amedisys.com/Our-Company/Health-Care-At-Home-Blog/September-2012/Preventing-Falls-The-Top-Cause-of-Hospitalization

About Amedisys:

Amedisys, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMED) is a leading health care company focused on bringing home the continuum of care. Amedisys delivers personalized health care services to patients and their families in the comfort of patients’ homes. Amedisys care teams delivered 11 million patient care visits in 2011. Amedisys has two divisions, home health care and hospice. The Company’s state-of-the-art advanced chronic care management programs and leading-edge technology enables it to deliver quality care based upon the latest evidence-based best practices. Amedisys is a recognized innovator, being one of the first in the industry to equip its clinicians with point-of-care laptop technology and referring physicians with an internet portal that enables real-time coordination of patient care seamlessly. Amedisys also has the industry’s first-ever nationwide Care Transitions program. Amedisys Care Transitions is designed to reduce unnecessary hospital readmissions through patient and caregiver health coaching and care coordination, which starts in the hospital and continues throughout completion of the patient’s home health plan of care. For more information about the Company, please visit: http://www.amedisys.com.

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Amedisys, Inc.
Jacqueline Chen Valencia, 225-252-5091
Senior Vice President, Marketing & Communications
[email protected]

Source: Amedisys, Inc.