Fall Prevention Guide: Learn how to minimize hazards and keep your loved one safe at home.

Falls in Older Adults

Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older adults in the U.S. and Connecticut. Falls threaten seniors’ safety and independence and generate enormous personal and economic costs.

A growing number of older adults fear falling, and as a result, limit their activities and social life. This can result in further physical decline, depression, social isolation and feelings of helplessness.

Statistics

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH):

· Every 13 seconds, an older American is treated in the emergency department (ED) for a fall. Every 20 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall.

· Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death for Connecticut residents 65 years of age and older (65+) and the fourth leading cause for residents of all ages.

· One-third of adults in Connecticut age 65+ years old fall each year. Rate of fall-related injuries per 100,000 population of adults 65+ years old is 5,844.

· Approximately 85.2% of all fall-related deaths and about 30% of fall-related ED visits and hospitalizations occurred in Connecticut residents 65+ years old between 2008 and 2017.

· Falls caused 2,827 deaths among Connecticut residents 65+ years old from 2008 - 2016.

· Falls resulted in 313,981 emergency department (ED) visits and inpatient hospitalizations for the state’s residents 65+ years old, during the same time period.

· Falls are costly. Fall-related inpatient hospital charges totaled over $1.1 billion for state residents 65+ years old from 2008 – 2012.

· There were 64,944 ED visits and hospitalizations for fall-related concussions in 65+ year-olds in Connecticut which consisted of 37% of total fall-related concussions between the years 2008 and 2017.

Call to Action – What You Can Do to Prevent Falls

· Ask your doctor or healthcare provider to evaluate your risk for falling and talk with them about specific things you can do;

· A fall risk assessment is required as part of the Welcome to Medicare examination. Your doctor or healthcare provider can receive reimbursement for fall risk assessment through the Medicare Annual Wellness visit;

· Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medicines to see if any might make you dizzy or sleepy or have interactions with your diet or other medicines. This should include over-the counter medications;

· Join a regular exercise program, especially one that increases balance, strength, flexibility and endurance. Contact your local senior center or YMCA or Visiting Nurse Association to locate a falls prevention program in your community;

· Get your vision and hearing checked at least once a year. Be sure to update your eyeglasses and hearing aids if needed;

· Make sure you have proper footwear; and

· Make your home safer by reducing tripping hazards, installing handrails on both sides of stairs, installing grab bars for bathroom shower/bathtub/toilet and improving lighting.