Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Department of Health and the Vermont Falls Free Coalition have joined forces with the National Council on Aging (NCOA) and the Falls Free® Coalition to reduce the incident of falls among seniors.While falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injury for people 65 years of age and older, they are not an inevitable part of aging. This year’s Fall Prevention Awareness Day theme, Take a Stand to Prevent Falls, seeks to raise awareness about how to prevent fall-related injury among older adults.
“Adults ages 65 and older in Vermont saw 5,023 emergency room visits from falls in 2010 resulting in 1,600 hospitalizations, and 120 fatalities,” said Julie Desrochers, state Falls Prevention Program Coordinator. “We can change this by bringing greater attention to the many preventive measures that can be easily employed to keep our seniors safe.”
The Health Department is working with the state Falls Free Coalition as well as Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to roll out a new falls prevention/self-management program. The Fallscape program trains older adults to use everyday situations and tools to prevent falls- and stay in their homes for longer.
The training is delivered by EMS personnel in the home and consists of screening, a motivational interview, and point-of-view videos.
Studies show that a combination of behavior changes can significantly reduce falls among older adults. Experts recommend:
- Participating in a physical activity regimen with balance, strength training, and flexibility components.
- Consulting with a health professional about getting a fall risk assessment.
- Having medications reviewed periodically.
- Getting eyes and ears checked annually.
- Making sure the home environment is safe and supportive.
The recentUnited States of Aging Surveypolled older adults to find out about how they are preparing for their later years. More than half of seniors said they would be interested in the expansion of community-based health promotion programs, including falls prevention classes.
At senior centers and other community-based organizations across the United States, programs like A Matter of Balance, Tai Chi, and Stepping On help older adults gain strength, improve balance, and build confidence to help them live healthier lives and preserve their independence.
The final Health Department free screening events, led by EMS personnel, to help people determine if they are at risk for falls are:
Sept. 30, West Barnet Presbyterian Church Fellowship Room, West Barnet, 12 p.m. to – 1 p.m.
Sept. 30, West Burke Community Center, 212 School Street, West Burke, 12 p.m. – 1 p.m.
After the free screenings, seniors are invited to stay for lunch, which costs from $3.50 to $5.00 depending on the site.
For more information, to request a presentation or to discuss eligibility contact (802) 863-7227 or[email protected].
Vermont is part of the national Falls Free® Initiative, which includes 43 state-based falls prevention coalitions and 70 national organizations, professional associations, and federal agencies across the country dedicated to reducing fall-related injuries and deaths among older adults.
For more information, visithealthvermont.gov, or go towww.ncoa.org/FPAD.