The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a new “Stand STEADI” video series highlighting healthcare teams and programs that are successfully implementing fall prevention.
One of those successful programs is a great example for communities looking to become Age-Friendly.
In preparation for Falls Prevention Awareness Day in September the National Council on Aging (NCOA) is sponsoring a “photo and story” contest to illustrate and convey the great work being done nationwide to prevent falls.
Winners will receive prizes issued to the individual/organization submitting the entry and will be featured in NCOA materials, including information provided to the media and on the organizations website. Prizes are: 1st prize: $300; 2nd prize: $250; 3rd prize: $200. Photo entries must be submitted by August 25 at 11:59pm ET.
Details are available in NCOA’s Photo Contest Flyer.
“This “how-to” guide is designed for community-based organizations who are interested in implementing their own evidence-based fall prevention programs. This guide is designed to be a practical and useful tool, and it provides guidelines on program planning, development, implementation, and evaluation.” Source: CDC
“This 3rd edition of the Compendium describes single interventions (15 exercise interventions, 4 home modification interventions, and 10 clinical interventions) and 12 multifaceted interventions (which address multiple risk factors). Each intervention is presented using a standardized format that includes a short summary and additional implementation details” Source: CDC
“The nation is spending over $30 billion annually on direct medical costs arising from elder falls. This Issue Brief outlines the problem, presents research on significant returns on investment and reductions in falls among prevention interventions, and calls for providing $10 million for elder falls prevention from the Prevention and Public Health Fund (PPHF) in FY 2016, as the Senate Appropriations Committee recommended for FY12, FY13, and FY14.” – National Council on Aging
By John L. Brusch M.D., Associate Chief of Medicine, Cambridge Health Alliance
Falls are common among adults older than 65. An estimated 14% of older adults in Massachusetts reported falling in the past three months. In about a third of these cases, they suffered an injury that needed medical care or restricted their usual activities for at least a day. Injuries from falling can include bruising, hip fractures, head trauma, or major lacerations. Sometimes complications from falls can be fatal— they are the fifth leading cause of death in older adults. Even the mere fear of falling can adversely affect elders, who may restrict their activities to avoid possible injury. Such social isolation can lead to significant physical and emotional consequences. Continue reading
Falls are the leading cause of injuries among older adults, but there are many ways that older adults can prevent falls, including:
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