preventing falls in your communityThe bad news is falls in Minnesota have been increasing. The good news is there are easy ways you can reduce an adult’s risk of falling.
A quick proven screening is an easy first step in detecting those at risk and reducing falls and the major injuries that can result from falling. Screening adults is easy and manageable for professionals to do, just by asking the right questions.
Ask the following three questions of adults regularly:
- Have you fallen in the past year?
- How many times have you fallen in the past year?
- Are you afraid of falling?
Having a major fall can change one’s life forever. It could mean giving up living a full independent life. Learn the many ways you can keep Minnesotans right side up.
Turning Falls in Minnesota Right Side Up
Minnesota had the 5th highest fall death rate in the US in 2009 at 14.03/100,000; nearly two times the US rate of 8.08. Minnesota’s fall death rate continues to rise.
- Adults age 65 and older accounted for more than 86% of MN fall deaths with a rate of 95.22/100,000, compared to the US rate of 51.61.
- Older adults in Minnesota experienced over 29,900 falls in 2009, causing 639 fatalities and an estimated medical cost of $255,435,200.
- MN falls have no apparent seasonal pattern.
- Read Falls Among Minnesota Adults, August 2012
Why Can’t Minnesotans Stay Upright?
Anyone can fall although more often falls occur in adults. Falls are often the result of many factors related to the individual and his or her environment.
| Not Modifiable | Modifiable |
|---|---|
| Older age | Muscle weakness |
| Female | Gait and balance problems |
| Chronic diseases | Vision problems |
| Mentally impaired | Psychoactive medications |
| Not Modifiable | Modifiable |
|---|---|
| Cold temperatures | Clutter in walkways |
| Uneven pavement | No stair railings or grab bars |
| Poor public space designs | Loose rugs |
| Dim lighting |
Prevention of Falls in Older Persons AGS/BGS Clinical Practice Guidelines available at: http://www.medcats.com/FALLS/frameset.htm
Aging Services of Minnesota Falls Prevention & Reduction Champion’s Toolkit
Minnesota Hospital Association Call to Action Safe from FALLS
Content for the Professional pages of the Minnesota Falls Prevention website was written in partnership with Gregory J. Hanson, M.D. and Ericka E. Tung M.D., MPH, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine: Division of Primary Care Internal Medicine.