​Fall Prevention Day 2018: Giving seniors the power to prevent a fall

Did you know that every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall? And every 19 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall?

In fact, falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans.

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that one in four older adults falls each year. However, most falls can be prevented,” said Carmen Bell, Director, Healthy Aging, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley. “Seniors and their caregivers have the power to reduce their risk for falls. That’s why United Way, with support from generous donors, invests in balance and exercise programs and partners with agencies such as YWCA of Bethlehem, Lehigh Valley Active Life and The Greater Valley YMCA."

United Way is proud to support the Get Moving and Live Better program from Lehigh Valley Active Life and the SilverSneakers program at The Greater Valley YMCA.

In honor of National Fall Prevention Day, United Way will host a free event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, September 21^, 2018 at Lehigh Valley Active Life located at 1633 Elm Street, Allentown. The event is open to the public and will include balance screenings, medication checks and information on how to fall-proof your home.

 “There are many steps seniors can take to prevent a fall, including finding a good balance and exercise program, regularly reviewing their medications and keep their homes safe,” continued Bell. “We look forward to empowering the seniors in our community at this free, special event.”

According to the National Council on Aging, falls result in injuries, such as hip fractures, broken bones and head injuries. More than 2.8 million older adults are treated in emergency departments annually because of a fall, resulting in over 800,000 hospitalizations. The average hospital cost for a fall injury is more than $30,000.

Falls, with or without injury, carry a heavy burden on quality of life. After a fall, many older adults develop a fear of falling and, as a result, limit their activities and social engagements. Fear of falling can result in further physical decline, depression, social isolation, and feelings of helplessness.

Additionally, falls impact caregivers. Research has shown that after a care recipient’s first fall, caregivers report a significant increase in caregiver burden, fear of falling, and depression.

“Falls do not have to be an inevitable part of aging,” added Bell. “Through practical lifestyle adjustments, evidence-based programs and community partnerships, the number of falls among seniors each year can be reduced substantially. In the Lehigh Valley, we have a bold goal to increase the number of seniors who can stay safe and healthy in their homes. We know that’s where seniors want to live. To achieve that goal, we have to improve seniors’ health and wellness and take extra steps to help them remain health in both body and mind.”

Here are some additional resources from the National Council on Aging:
Video: You have the power to prevent at fall
Fact sheet: 6 steps to prevent a fall
For caregivers: How to talk to your loved ones about falls
18 steps to fall-proofing your home
10 myths about falls

For more information about Healthy Aging, contact Carmen Bell at 610-807-5717.