Falling is not a normal part of aging. Yet falls remain a leading cause of injury for people 65 and older.
Falls threaten older adults’ safety and independence, and generate enormous economic and personal expense.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Injury Center, which monitors falls, fall-related injuries and associated costs, reports:
- One-in-four adults 65 and older fall each year, resulting in 3 million emergency room admissions to treat fall-related injuries.
- Falls account for more than 95 percent of hip fractures, and are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries.
- Falls account for $38 billion in Medicare and Medicaid spending, and costs associated with falls are projected to rise exponentially as the U.S. population ages.
In addition to pain and suffering, and the high cost of rehabilitation, falls with or without injury also carry a heavy quality-of-life impact. Many older adults fear falling and, as a result, often self-limit activities and social engagements. Resulting limitations can cause further physical decline, depression, social isolation and feelings of helplessness.
Evidence-based interventions targeting individual risk factors for falling have been shown to reduce falls, and promote seniors’ belief in their ability to prevent falls. Through practical lifestyle adjustments, evidence-based falls prevention programs, and clinical-community partnerships, the number of falls among older adults can be substantially reduced.
Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is committed to empowering all older adults in Southwest Michigan to age well and stay free from falls. AAA is partnering with the National Council on Aging to mark Falls Prevention Awareness Week on Sept. 20-24 with resources, tips and information to raise awareness and reduce preventable falls. Some resources include:
Online falls risk assessment: There is a new, free online falls risk assessment tool to help older adults and caregivers identify fall risks.
This short 12-question survey screens for the most common falls risk factors. Complete the survey and you will receive an email with results and resources to help you mitigate your risk for falls.
You can access the tool by visiting ncoa.org/FallsFreeCheckUp.
Evidence-based falls prevention class: AAA offers Matter of Balance, an award-winning program designed to manage falls and increase activity levels. Matter of Balance emphasizes practical strategies to manage falls.
Class participants learn to view falls as controllable, set goals for increasing activity, make changes to reduce fall risks, and exercise to increase strength and balance. The next scheduled eight-week class begins Oct. 4 at River Valley Senior Center.
Contact Julie Schwarz at 982-7759 or julieschwarz@areaagencyonaging.org to sign up or to learn about additional upcoming Matter of Balance classes.
Matter of Balance classes are taught by trained volunteers. If you would like to help area seniors learn to prevent falls by becoming a volunteer trainer, call 982-7759 for more information.
Home Safe Home kits: A limited supply of Home Safe Home kits are available to those 80 and older who live in Berrien, Cass and Van Buren counties. The kits contain items geared to help prevent falls and allow seniors to live independently.
Kits include 18- and 36-inch grab bars for showers and other areas, a personal emergency response system 911 button, a blood pressure monitor, motion-sensor night lights and more.
Grab bars will need installation, which is not included in the kit distribution effort. Seniors living in senior housing or other rental units should check with their building manager or landlord before having grab bars installed.
Kits will be available on a first-come-first-served basis, and should be reserved. Kits will be distributed at a contactless, drive-thru event from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Sept. 22 at AAA’s Campus for Creative Aging, 2920 Lakeview Ave., St. Joseph.
If you’re 80 or older and would like a kit, or if you know someone who meets the criteria and would like to pick a kit up for them, visit areaagencyonaging.org or contact Julee Laurent at 408-4369 or juleelaurent@areaagencyonaging.org.
Volunteers are needed to help pack and distribute the Home Safe Home kits. For more information, visit areaagencyonaging.org/community.