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Preventing Falls Among Older Adults

Preventing Falls Among Older Adults. A Role for First Responders?. Created By: The Wellness Institute of Greater Buffalo and WNY. Enough about me…. Why did you become a firefighter? Tell us about the living person over 65 you are most fond of.

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Preventing Falls Among Older Adults

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  1. Preventing Falls Among Older Adults A Role for First Responders? Created By: The Wellness Institute of Greater Buffalo and WNY

  2. Enough about me…. • Why did you become a firefighter? • Tell us about the living person over 65 you are most fond of.

  3. Why is prevention an important part of your job? About your job....

  4. How frequently do you respond to first aid calls involving an older adult who has fallen? About your job....

  5. Explore how first-responders could play a role in preventing falls among older adults living the community Today’s Goal

  6. You are part of a community-wide initiative to reduce the incidence of falls among older adults Bigger Picture

  7. Overview • Frequency of falls among older adults

  8. Overview Frequency of falls among older adults Consequences of falls

  9. Overview Frequency of falls among older adults Consequences of falls Causes of falls

  10. Overview Frequency of falls among older adults Consequences of falls Causes of falls How to reduce risks of falling

  11. Overview Frequency of falls among older adults Consequences of falls Causes of falls How to reduce risks of falling What can first-responders do to help?

  12. What is the leading cause of accidental injury & death among people 65 & older? • Assault • Falls • Automobile accidents • Stampedes at early-bird specials

  13. What is the leading cause of injury & death among people 65 & older? • Assault • Falls • Automobile accidents • Stampedes at early-bird specials

  14. Of people 65 & older, how many will have a fall this year? • 1 in 10 • 1 in 6 • 1 in 3 • All of them

  15. Of people 65 & older, how many will have a fall this year? • 1 in 10 • 1 in 6 • 1 in 3 • All of them If 80 & older, then it’s 1 in 2.

  16. How many emergency calls for falls did the BFD respond to in the last 12 months? • 941 • 1,941 • 2,941 • 3,941

  17. How many emergency calls for falls did the BFD respond to in the last 12 months? • 941 • 1,941 • 2,941 • 3,941

  18. How many emergency calls for falls did the BFD respond to in the last 12 months? • 941 • 1,941 • 2,941 • 3,941 That’s a lot of time and resources!

  19. In Erie County, how many people 65 & older were treated & released from an ED due to fall injuries in 2005? • 583 • 3,742 • 4,628 • 5,149

  20. In Erie County, how many people 65 & older were treated & released from and ED due to fall injuries in 2005? • 583 • 3,742 • 4,628 • 5,149

  21. Average charge for treatment & release at ED in 2005?

  22. Average charge for treatment & release at ED in 2005? $812 What other costs would be added to this?

  23. An average of 3,000 people 65 & older were admitted to the hospital each year for injuries due to falls. What was the average cost per hospitalization for each of these 3,000 people? In Erie County, from 2003 - 2005

  24. Average cost per hospitalization $16, 417 Almost $5 million per year for hospitalization due to falls.

  25. Consequences of Falls

  26. Consequences of Falls Physical & Quality of Life Effects

  27. Consequences of Falls Physical & Quality of Life Effects • Hip fractures (85% are due to falls)

  28. Consequences of Falls Physical & Quality of Life Effects • Hip fractures (85% are due to falls) • Head injuries

  29. Consequences of Falls Physical & Quality of Life Effects • Hip fractures (85% are due to falls) • Head injuries • Temporary or permanent disability – loss of mobility and/or independence

  30. Consequences of Falls Physical & Quality of Life Effects • Hip fractures (85% are due to falls) • Head injuries • Temporary or permanent disability – loss of mobility and/or independence • Increased admission to nursing homes or other long-term care

  31. Consequences of Falls Psychological & Emotional

  32. Consequences of Falls • Psychological & Emotional • Depression

  33. Consequences of Falls • Psychological & Emotional • Depression • Fear/anxiety about falling

  34. Consequences of Falls • Psychological & Emotional • Depression • Fear/anxiety about falling • More burden on family/caregivers

  35. Consequences of Falls • Psychological & Emotional • Depression • Fear/anxiety about falling • More burden on family/caregivers • Feeling helpless

  36. Consequences of Falls • Psychological & Emotional • Depression • Fear/anxiety about falling • More burden on family/caregivers • Feeling helpless • May have to give up favorite activities

  37. Causes of Falls Among Older Adults

  38. Causes of Falls Among Older Adults Human Factors • Mobility problems (poor physical condition, muscle weakness & poor balance)

  39. Causes of Falls Among Older Adults Human Factors • Mobility problems (poor physical condition, muscle weakness & poor balance) • Chronic health conditions (e.g., arthritis & stroke)

  40. Causes of Falls Among Older Adults Human Factors • Mobility problems (poor physical condition, muscle weakness & poor balance) • Chronic health conditions (e.g., arthritis & stroke) • Poor vision or hearing

  41. Causes of Falls Among Older Adults Human Factors • Mobility problems (poor physical condition, muscle weakness & poor balance) • Chronic health conditions (e.g., arthritis & stroke) • Poor vision or hearing • Mobility aids (canes & walkers)

  42. Causes of Falls Among Older Adults Human Factors • Mobility problems (poor physical condition, muscle weakness & poor balance) • Chronic health conditions (e.g., arthritis & stroke) • Poor vision or hearing • Mobility aids (canes & walkers) • Poor nutrition -> weakness, dizziness, fainting

  43. Causes of Falls Among Older Adults Human Factors • Mobility problems (poor physical condition, muscle weakness & poor balance) • Chronic health conditions (e.g., arthritis & stroke) • Poor vision or hearing • Mobility aids (canes & walkers) • Poor nutrition -> weakness, dizziness, fainting • Medications

  44. Causes of Falls Among Older Adults Human Factors • Mobility problems (poor physical condition, muscle weakness & poor balance) • Chronic health conditions (e.g., arthritis & stroke) • Poor vision or hearing • Mobility aids (canes & walkers) • Poor nutrition -> weakness, dizziness, fainting • Medications • Alcohol

  45. Causes of Falls Among Older Adults Environmental Factors

  46. Causes of Falls Among Older Adults Environmental Factors • Uneven sidewalks

  47. Causes of Falls Among Older Adults Environmental Factors • Uneven sidewalks • Ice

  48. Causes of Falls Among Older Adults Environmental Factors • Uneven sidewalks • Ice • Hazards around the house: • Clutter • Electrical cords • Poor lighting • Loose throw rugs • Broken stairs / handrails

  49. Reducing the Risk Factors for Falls

  50. Reducing the Risk Factors for Falls • Regular physical activity to improve muscle strength, balance and coordination

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