Take Action During Falls Prevention Awareness Week

It is important that healthcare providers feel empowered to discuss fall prevention with their older patients. More than half of older adults who fall do not report their falls or discuss their concerns about falling with their healthcare provider(s). Not all falls cause injuries, but about 20% of falls do result in an injury, including hip fracture or traumatic brain injury. These injuries can make it hard for older adults to stay mobile, do everyday activities, or live independently.

 

CDC’s Coordinated Care Plan to Prevent Older Adult Falls offers providers specific steps they can use to implement a clinical fall prevention program that includes screening, assessment, and intervention to reduce fall risk. In addition, two customizable slide decks are available.  Building Clinical Strategies to STEADI Your Older Patients offers healthcare providers a template for how to inform healthcare administrators on the value and importance of a STEADI-based fall prevention program.  STEADI Our Staff for Fall Prevention includes slides to train healthcare providers and clinic staff on using STEADI tools and resources. We encourage you to use these resources and initiate a fall prevention program at your practice.