Fall Prevention Keeps Seniors Safe
According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans. Every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall; every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall. Falls, with or without injury, also carry a heavy quality of life impact. A growing number of older adults fear falling and, as a result, limit their activities and social engagements resulting in depression, social isolation and feelings of helplessness.
Falls also generate enormous economic and personal costs. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease and Control, in 2013, the total cost of fall injuries was $34 billion. This amount is expected to increase up to $67.6 billion by 2020.
Over the past 10 years, organizations have been working together to help reduce these statistics while keeping seniors safe. Evidence – based programs have been implemented to help older adults reduce their risk of falling.
These programs include:
A Matter of Balance – 8-week structured group intervention that emphasizes practical strategies to reduce fear of falling and increase activity levels.
FallsTalk – shares screening and fall history documentation to assist in behavior modification.
FallScape – Participants receive customized intervention programs based on their FallsTalk evaluation.
Otago Exercise Program – a series of 17 strength and balance exercises delivered by a Physical Therapist in the home that reduces falls between 35 and 40% for frail older adults.
Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) – is an evidence-based strength, balance and fitness program for adults 65 and older. Performing exercises that improve strength, balance and fitness can allow adults to stay active and reduce their chance of falling.
Stepping On – aims at breaking the cycle of inactivity in older people who fall and lose their self-confidence. Inactivity leads to social isolation and loss of muscle strength and balance, increasing the risk of falling.
Tai Chi – studies have shown that Tai Chi can be one of the most effective exercises for preventing falls.
Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance™ – is an evidence-based falls prevention program delivered in two one-hour sessions each week for 24 weeks. Each session consists of warm-up exercises; core practices, which include a mix of practice of forms, variations of forms, and mini-therapeutic movements; and brief cool-down exercises.
These programs are aimed at fall prevention and improving the lives of our older Americans while also keeping them safe. If you have a loved one who has fallen at a store or business, they may be entitled to compensation. Call us today for a free consultation, or fill in our Contact Form here.
