Fall Prevention | NeighborhoodFalmouth

Staying Safe: A Guide to Preventing Falls Among Older Adults

Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in persons older than 65 years:

Fall injuries result in more than 2.8 million emergency department visits annually
25% of falls cause serious injuries, such as fractures or traumatic brain injury
The risk of falls and resulting serious injury increases with age. A history of falls is associated with a two- to sixfold increased risk of a future fall

According to 2023 CDC data, more than 41,000 adults over the age of 65 died due to falls!

The following online resources provide access to reliable and up-to-date information about the prevention and management of falls:

Preventing Falls

Falls Prevention: Everyone can take steps to prevent falls. You can lower your risk by doing the right exercises, making your home safer, getting regular health checkups, and more. Learn the steps you can take to stay safe. Information from the National Council on Aging.
Falls Prevention Unique to Older Adults: Provides an overview of falls, including basic facts, causes, diagnosis and tests, care and treatment, and management. Information from HealthinAging.org
Falls Free Checkup: Stay healthy and independent by checking your risk for a fall. Answer 13 simple questions to get your falls risk score and resources to prevent falls. A resource from the National Council on Aging.

Making Your Home Safe

Preventing Falls at Home: Room by Room Many falls happen at home, where we spend much of our time and tend to move around without thinking about our safety. There are many changes you can make to your home that will help prevent falls and better ensure your safety. Information from the National Institute on Aging.
Medicines That Increase Fall Risk: Many medicines have side effects that may increase the risk of falls. Taking more than one of these medicines increases the risk even more. Information from the Mayo Clinic.
8 Types of Medications That Can Increase Your Risk of Falling: Drugs that make you feel dizzy or drowsy can throw off your balance. Plus, how to lower your fall risk. Information from AARP.

Medical Alert Systems

The Best Medical Alert Systems: This guide will help you learn about medical alert companies and devices so you can make an informed decision and find a medical alert system that is the best fit for yourself or a loved one.

Balance Problems

Older Adults and Balance Problems: Many older adults experience problems with balance and dizziness. Information from the National Institute on Aging.
Balance Problems: To have good balance means that many different parts of the body work together well and problems with any of these things can cause a person to have issues with their balance. Information from HealthInAging.org.
Footwear and Balance Problems: Proper footwear can help improve balance, especially in older people who may struggle with mobility and balance issues. Information from the Vestibular Disorders Association.
Postural Hypotension - What it is & How to Manage it: When your blood pressure drops, less blood can go to your organs and muscles. This can make you more likely to fall. Information from the CDC.