Fall prevention workshop presented to seniors at risk

1. Fall Prevention Leslie Harris-Petrie

2. Fall Statistics Each year 1/3 of older adults fall. Of those, 20%-30% suffer moderate to severe injuries. Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for persons aged 65 and older. In 2005, 15,800 people 65+ died from injuries related to unintentional falls.

3. Fall Statistics More than 90% of hip fractures among adults 65+ are the result of a fall. Most fractures among older adults are caused by falls. Most common fractures are: spine, hip, forearm, leg, ankle, pelvis, upper arm, hand. Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries. (46% of fatal falls)

4. Fall Statistics Rates of fall-related deaths among other adults rose significantly over the past decade. Many people who fall (even those not injured) develop a fear of falling, causing limited activity and physical fitness and increasing actual fall risk.

5. Cost of Falls The annual direct and indirect cost of fall injuries is expected to reach $54.9 billion by 2020. In people over 72, the average cost of a fall injury totals over $19,440 including hospital, nursing home, emergency room and home health care (does not include doctors’ services).

6. Cost of Falls Of the 350,000 patients who fall and break hips yearly, 40% end up in a nursing home; 20% never walk again. Lifetime cost of a hip fracture is more than $81,000. Annual Medicare cost for hip fractures is almost $3 billion.

7. Risk Factors Muscle weakness Postural hypotension Vision problems Balance or gait impairment Use of 4 or more medications Use of sedative medications Certain chronic diseases such as Parkinson’s; arthritis, stroke Previous falls

8. Prevention Medication review Tai Chi (improves balance, strength and coordination) Home modification: stair railings, ramps, grab bars, improve lighting, improve flooring Vision correction

9. Prevention Mobility aids: cane, walker, power chair scooter Hip protectors Glasses (corrective lenses)

10. Prevention Please ask me for a free Fall Prevention Poster!

11. Contact Information The SCOOTER Store Leslie Harris-Petrie Phone: 925-337-2346 Fax: 866-971-8564 Email: lharrispetrie@thescooterstore.com