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Preventing Falls Among Older Adults

A Role forFirst 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.

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Why is prevention an important part of your job?

About your job....

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How frequently do you respond to first aid calls

involving an older adult who has fallen?

About your job....

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Today’s Goal

Explore how first-responders could play a role in preventing falls among older adults living

the community

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You are part of a community-wide

initiative to reduce the incidence of falls

among older adults

Bigger Picture

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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?

• 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?

• 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?

• 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.

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• 941• 1,941• 2,941• 3,941

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

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

How many emergency calls for falls did the BFD respond to in the last 12 months?

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?

• 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?

$812What 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, 417Almost $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)

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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)• Poor vision or hearing

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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)• Poor vision or hearing• Mobility aids (canes & walkers)

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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)• Poor vision or hearing• Mobility aids (canes & walkers)• Poor nutrition -> weakness, dizziness, fainting

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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)• Poor vision or hearing• Mobility aids (canes & walkers)• Poor nutrition -> weakness, dizziness, fainting• Medications

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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)• 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:

– 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!