Facts About Falls

• One out of three adults over the age of 65 will fall each year

• Falls are the most common cause of injuries and hospital admissions

• Once an adult has fallen they will be predisposed to future falls

• Falls are one of the leading causes of death among people 65 and over

• 60% of falls happen at home

• 40% of all nursing home admissions are from falls

Signs of a Person at Risk of Falling

• Changes in the way one walks

• Decreased walking speed

• Reaching for furniture and walls for support

• Poor posture

• Decline in activity level

• Inability to rise from a chair without pushing self up with arms

• Poor general health

Can Falls Be Prevented?

The answer is YES!  Becoming knowledgeable about the factors that can cause falls and making necessary changes in your life can reduce your risk significantly.  To minimize your risk of falling, assess your living areas and improve your safety at home by following the environmental checklist.  Review all you medications with your doctor.  Have your eyes examined every year after the age of 65.  Maintain an active lifestyle with frequent socialization.

If you have a balance problem, participate in a customized fall prevention program that assesses your fall risk, balance, walking skills, and targets the specific deficits contributing to your risk of falling.  Minimize the risk of future falls by being proactive in preventing falls and the injuries they cause.

Click here to download a Fall Prevention Checklist