Preventing Falls Among Older Adults
A Role for
First Responders?
Created By:
The Wellness Institute of Greater Buffalo
and WNY
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Enough about me….
1. Why did you become a
firefighter?
2. Tell us about the living
person over 65 you are
most fond of.
2
About your job....
Why is prevention an important
part of your job?
3
About your job....
How frequently do you
respond to first aid calls
involving an older adult
who has fallen?
4
Today’s Goal
Explore how first-responders
could play a role in preventing
falls among older adults living
the community
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Bigger Picture
You are part of a
community-wide
initiative to reduce
the incidence of falls
among older adults
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Overview
• Frequency of falls among older
adults
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Overview
• Frequency of falls among older
adults
• Consequences of falls
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Overview
• Frequency of falls among older
adults
• Consequences of falls
• Causes of falls
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Overview
• Frequency of falls among older
adults
• Consequences of falls
• Causes of falls
• How to reduce risks of falling
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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?
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What is the leading cause of accidental
injury & death among people 65 & older?
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•
•
•
Assault
Falls
Automobile accidents
Stampedes at early-bird
specials
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What is the leading cause of injury &
death among people 65 & older?
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•
•
•
Assault
Falls
Automobile accidents
Stampedes at early-bird
specials
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Of people 65 & older, how many will
have a fall this year?
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•
•
•
1 in 10
1 in 6
1 in 3
All of them
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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.
15
How many emergency calls for falls did the
BFD respond to in the last 12 months?
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•
•
•
941
1,941
2,941
3,941
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How many emergency calls for falls did the
BFD respond to in the last 12 months?
•
•
•
•
941
1,941
2,941
3,941
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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!
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In Erie County, how many people 65 & older were treated
& released from an ED due to fall injuries in 2005?
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•
•
•
583
3,742
4,628
5,149
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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
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Average charge for treatment &
release at ED in 2005?
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Average charge for treatment &
release at ED in 2005?
$812
What other costs would be
added to this?
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In Erie County, from 2003 - 2005
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?
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Average cost per hospitalization
$16, 417
Almost $5 million per year
for hospitalization due to
falls.
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Consequences of Falls
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Consequences of Falls
Physical & Quality of Life Effects
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Consequences of Falls
Physical & Quality of Life Effects
• Hip fractures (85% are due to falls)
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Consequences of Falls
Physical & Quality of Life Effects
• Hip fractures (85% are due to falls)
• Head injuries
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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
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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
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Consequences of Falls
Psychological & Emotional
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Consequences of Falls
Psychological & Emotional
• Depression
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Consequences of Falls
Psychological & Emotional
• Depression
• Fear/anxiety about falling
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Consequences of Falls
Psychological & Emotional
• Depression
• Fear/anxiety about falling
• More burden on family/caregivers
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Consequences of Falls
Psychological & Emotional
• Depression
• Fear/anxiety about falling
• More burden on family/caregivers
• Feeling helpless
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Consequences of Falls
Psychological & Emotional
• Depression
• Fear/anxiety about falling
• More burden on family/caregivers
• Feeling helpless
• May have to give up favorite activities
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Causes of Falls Among Older Adults
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Causes of Falls Among Older Adults
Human Factors
• Mobility problems (poor physical condition,
muscle weakness & poor balance)
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Causes of Falls Among Older Adults
Human Factors
• Mobility problems (poor physical condition,
muscle weakness & poor balance)
• Chronic health conditions (e.g., arthritis &
stroke)
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)
• Poor vision or hearing
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
• Mobility aids (canes & walkers)
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)
• Poor nutrition -> weakness, dizziness, fainting
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
• Medications
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
• Alcohol
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Causes of Falls Among Older Adults
Environmental Factors
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Causes of Falls Among Older Adults
Environmental Factors
• Uneven sidewalks
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Causes of Falls Among Older Adults
Environmental Factors
• Uneven sidewalks
• Ice
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Causes of Falls Among Older Adults
Environmental Factors
• Uneven sidewalks
• Ice
• Hazards around the house:
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–
–
–
–
Clutter
Electrical cords
Poor lighting
Loose throw rugs
Broken stairs / handrails
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Reducing the Risk Factors for Falls
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Reducing the Risk Factors for Falls
• Regular physical activity to improve
muscle strength, balance and
coordination
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Reducing the Risk Factors for Falls
• Regular physical activity to improve
muscle strength, balance and
coordination
• Review of medications
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Reducing the Risk Factors for Falls
• Regular physical activity to improve
muscle strength, balance and
coordination
• Review of medications
• Vision checked regularly
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Reducing the Risk Factors for Falls
• Regular physical activity to improve
muscle strength, balance and
coordination
• Review of medications
• Vision checked regularly
• Make the home safer (brochure)
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What can first-responders
do to help?
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Thank you for all
you do!
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