Early prevention: preventing falls
Are you at risk of falling?
«Have you suffered a fall in the past twelve months?»
«Do you feel unstable when you're standing or walking?»
«Are you worried that you might fall?»
If you answered yes to one or more of these three questions, you should take a closer look at your risk of falling. santé24 offers SWICA customers telephone consultation hours on the topics of exercise and nutrition. The relevant specialists will provide you with important information and other measures to help prevent falls. The telephone consultations are offered in German, French and English.
You can take advantage of a consultation even if you aren't at risk of suffering a fall or you would simply like to keep fit (in old age). Or do you perhaps have loved ones who are at risk of suffering a fall? Tell them about this offer from santé24 and help them register.
Film (German only): Short film: 3 x 3 everyday exercise programme
The «3x3» short film will show you how to exercise safely at home.You can find other exercise programmes here. (© bfu)
SWICA helps you prevent falls
Fall prevention at home – a service offered by the Swiss Rheumatism Association ("Rheumaliga Schweiz")
The Swiss Rheumatism Association runs the "Staying safe every day" programme. Specially trained physiotherapists and occupational therapists offer comprehensive fall prevention advice at home. They inspect your home for possible fall hazards and help to lower the risk of falling for those who live there.
This service from the Swiss Rheumatism Association has been supported by Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) for four years, and assessed in terms of its benefit. The results of a study (German version) published in 2021 show that the fall prevention programme led to a significant reduction in falls, with fewer injuries as a result. The seniors who took part in the study also reported that they had become less worried about the possibility of falling. This is particularly important as scientific research has shown that fear of falling increases the risk of suffering a fall.
Cost
The fall prevention measures cost CHF 540. SWICA makes contributions from the COMPLETA FORTE, COMPLETA PRAEVENTA and OPTIMA supplementary insurance plans (find out more).
Other products
Visit www.sichergehen.ch/kurse-finden (German) for a wide selection of courses including fitness, gymnastics, tumbling, dance, walking, qigong and yoga. SWICA supports many of these courses with its COMPLETA FORTE, COMPLETA PRAEVENTA and OPTIMA supplementary insurance – please contact SWICA Customer Services 24/7 for more information.
Up to 900 francs per year for prevention services
SWICA covers 90% of the costs under your COMPLETA FORTE supplementary plan, up to 300 francs per calendar year. COMPLETA PRAEVENTA covers an additional 50% of the costs up to 300 francs per year. OPTIMA supplementary insurance covers 90% of the cost exceeding this amount, up to a maximum of 300 francs per calendar year. This can result in prevention contributions of up to 900 francs per year.
Film (German only): "Pensioniert sein heisst nicht, nichts tun" ("Being retired doesn't mean doing nothing")
"mitenand", broadcast on 24 May 2015, with senior citizen Valentin Blättler and physiotherapist Christine Hunziker (© SRF Swiss Television)
