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Historically, hospitals have tried to reduce falls…but significant sustained reduction has proven illusive.
                                                                                                                                         –The Joint Commission, Sentinel Alert 55 
Fall Prevention Guidance
​Although the videos below provide guidance on patient safety, falls are a major problem. Hospital patient falls occur at a rate of 3-5 per 1000 bed-days and within nursing homes half of the 1.6 million patients fall each year - 
Patient Safety Network, Agency for Healthcare Quality and Reseach. HHS.
​Information Sources:
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Florida Older Adult Fall Prevention Programs
Overview
Unintentional falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among Florida residents ages 65 years and older.
In 2019, 3,013 older adults were fatally injured in a fall.
In addition to deaths and injuries, as well as the costs associated with them, falls can have many negative consequences for older adults, including:
  • Fear of falling again
  • Forced relocation from the home
  • Loss of independence
  • Stress in the family
By reducing their chance of a fall, older adults can stay independent and have an increased quality of life.

Preventing Falls Among Older Adults
There are many reasons why an older adult might fall, including a variety of biological, behavioral, and environmental factors. These  factors include:
  • A previous fall
  • Chronic health conditions (e.g., arthritis, stroke)
  • Conditions in the home (e.g., slippery floors, loose rugs, cords on the floor, poor lighting)
  • Fear of falling
  • Medicines (including interaction effects)
  • Mobility problems (e.g., muscle weakness, balance)
  • Poor nutrition (leading to weakness, dizziness, fainting)
  • Poor vision or hearing
Older adults who have one or more of these conditions may have a higher risk of falling. The following practices are recommended for older adults to reduce their chances of falling and help them stay independent:
  • ​Exercising regularly (especially leg strengthening and improving balance)
  • Having an eye doctor check their vision at least once a year
  • Making their home environment safer
  • Reviewing their medicines with a doctor or pharmacist.


Interventions
There are evidence-based interventions for older adults, including programs designed specifically to prevent falls. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has resources available for providers interested in these interventions, including a compendium of evidence based fall interventions and a guide on developing community based falls prevention programs. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) also has information about evidence based programs. A few of the interventions being conducted in Florida include:
  •  A Matter of Balance
  • Otago
  • Stepping On
  • Tai JiQuan:  Moving for Better Balance (previously known as Tai Chi:  Moving for Better Balance)
Older adults interested in participating in a community based program should contact their local Aging and Disability Resource Center.
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