When we were kids, we fell a lot. From trees, off bikes, chairs, desks, even the roof. Males tend to have riskier behavior, like my brother Bob, who fell from all the above and then some . At the time, most of our falls seemed to be minor with a scrape or bruise the only damage. Reflecting back at our early experiences of falls both big and small, it’s not surprising that we don’t understand the consequences of falling in our later years.
According to the National Safety Council, falls accounted for 70% of emergency room visits in 2007 for older adults. In 2000, direct medical costs associated with falls were over $19 billion dollars. Nearly 60% of all older adults will experience a fall. More than half of this number will fall multiple times. According to the Center for Disease Control, each year, one in every three adults age 65 and older falls. Falls can lead to moderate to severe injuries, such as hip fractures and head traumas, and can even increase the risk of early death. In fact, one quarter of those who suffer a hip fracture as a result of a fall will die within one year of their injury. Many, many more will be unable to live independently and will need to move to assisted living, memory care or skilled nursing. These are very scary statistics, but there is good news.
Falls are a public health problem that is largely preventable. By creating awareness and being proactive about fall risks, the negative outcomes described above can be reduced or even eliminated. By preventing falls in older adults we can greatly increase the length of time a person can remain independent in his or her own home with a higher quality of life.
The Arizona Fall Prevention Coalition, comprised of over 200 community professionals, has made it their mission to bring awareness to older adults about the consequences of falling. Using educational opportunities, speaking engagements, clinics and literature it is the goal of the coalition to significantly reduce falling in older adults. Why are we promoting prevention? The members of the AZ Falls Prevention Coalition provide services or direct care for the person and families who have experienced a fall first hand. It is disheartening to see what could have been prevented with a few simple modifications to the home, an awareness of medication interactions or an increase in physical activity.
Take the time to view the contents of the AZStopFalls.com website content. We have placed some valuable information regarding, medication management, physical activities, and home modification for you to read and follow.
When we were kids, our falls had a different outcome than they do today. Be aware of the fall risk and remember falls are preventable. The members of the Arizona Fall Prevention Coalition encourage you to read the information on the website and do what you can to be active in fall prevention for yourself or a loved one. Our goal is for you to have a healthy and independent life in your ‘golden years.’
By Deborah White, Client Care Coordinator for Bivens & Associates, PLLC. Elder Law Attorneys, and member of the Arizona Fall Prevention Coalition www.bivenslaw.com
