INDIANA FALL PREVENTION COALITION
Indiana State Department of Health
Fall Injuries among Older Adults 2016
Annually, millions of older people (aged 65 and older) fall. 1 out of 4 older adults will fall each year, but less than half of them tell their doctor. Those who have fallen in the past are at twice the risk of falling in the future.
In Indiana, residents aged 65 and older account for 82.1% of all fall deaths and 71.8% of nonfatal fall hospitalizations in Indiana. They are the leading cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Indiana residents 65 and older. In Indiana, falls were responsible for 53% of TBI deaths; in addition, 47.1% of fall hospitalizations among older adults were associated with a TBI. Weekly, there are 879.8 emergency department visits among residents aged 65 and older, 240.3 hospitalizations, and 7.6 deaths due to fall injuries in Indiana.
The projected lifetime costs of falls in Indiana residents (65 and older) are estimated to be $740 million.
For more information about fall injuries in Indiana, please see the 2016 Special Emphasis Report: Fall Injuries among Older Adults.
HUD Report on Fall Prevention
The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has released a wide-ranging report focusing new attention on the rapidly growing problems of senior falls. The report found that while extensive research on specific fall preventions and strategies and their effectiveness exists, there was a significant gap on how to overcome obstacles to improve policies and programs designed to reduce senior falls.
The 36-page report, Overcoming Obstacles to Policies for Preventing Falls by the Elderly Final Report recommends a range of ways for HUD and other government and philanthropic entities to help communities overcome obstacles to the development and implementation of senior falls prevention and coordinated care policies and programs.
The Report covers the severe impacts of fall related injuries on the individual and on healthcare costs to society. About one-third of adults age 65 years or older fall each year, with most falls occurring inside the home. By 2020, expenditures related to injuries from falls to seniors are projected to cost nearly $59.7 billon.
Did you know that 1 in 4 Americans aged 65+ falls every year? Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans. Falls are costly—in dollars and in quality of life. However, falling is not an inevitable part of aging. Through practical lifestyle adjustments, evidence-based programs, and community partnerships, the number of falls among seniors can be reduced substantially.
From the National Coalition on Aging
Fall Prevention Video
Individuals/Caregivers
Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths and Injuries (STEADI) - Fall Prevention
From the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this website contains materials for Individuals to prevent falls and stay independent
National Council on Aging (NCOA) - Fall Prevention
Contains information on keeping adults safe and active.
Stopfalls.org - Fall Prevention Center of Excellence (USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology)
Provides information for individuals and families on fall prevention
Contacts for area agencies on aging serving your area
Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) - Fall Prevention
The Indiana State Department of Health implements two falls prevention programs, CDC's STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Death & Injuries) Toolkit and Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Agings's Stepping On Program)
HealthinAging.org - Fall Prevention
Created by the American Geriatrics Society's Health in Aging Foundation, this site provides consumers and caregivers with up-to-date information on health and aging
Connects people to the help they need; serves several counties in Indiana
Go4Life, an exercise and physical activity campaign from the National Institute on Aging at NIH, is designed to help you fit exercise and physical activity into your daily life.
Fall Prevention Poster
This handout includes 4 simple exercises to assist in reducing your risk of falls and a home assessment checklist both designed to help prevent falls.
Health Care Providers
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
National Council on Aging (NCOA) - Fall Prevention
Contains information on keeping adults safe and active.
Stopfalls.org - Fall Prevention Center of Excellence (USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology)
Provides information for service providers on fall prevention
National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) - Remembering When
Educational materials for fire and fall prevention
From the American Geriatrics Society, Inc. (U.S.), this site provides access to books, articles and other journal articles related to falls.
International Federation on Aging (IFA) and WHO Webinar Series on Age-Friendly Environments
"What Factors Influence Older Adults to Discuss Falls with their Health Care Providers"
Research Paper on Fall Prevention
HOME SAFETY
Assessment tool to identify fall risks at home
Learn how to modify your home to reduce risk of falls
From USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, this site is dedicated to promoting aging in place and independent living for persons of all ages and abilities. It offers training and education opportunities for professionals who wish to respond to the increasing demand for home modification services. It also serves as an information clearinghouse on home modification to equip professionals and consumers with a comprehensive inventory of resources such as a National Directory of Home Modification and Repair Resources.
Rebuilding Together Home Safety Checklist
Use this list to identify home safety, fall hazards and accessibility issues for the homeowner and family members.
Home Modifications for the Elderly: Loans, Grants and Financial Aid
This reference reviews common types of home modifications for the elderly and types of assistance available.
Speakers Bureau
Following is a list of individuals who are interested in sharing their knowledge on fall prevention related topics with community groups. You can use this list to find speakers for meetings or events.
