Unintentional falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among Florida residents ages 65 years and older. In addition to deaths and injuries, as well as the costs associated with them, falls can have many negative consequences for older adults, including:
- Fear of falling again
- Forced relocation from the home
- Loss of independence
- Stress in the family
By reducing their chance of a fall, older adults can stay independent and have an increased quality of life.
Florida’s Senior Centers
Florida Care Planning Council provides a consolidated listing of senior centers throughout the state. There are estimated to be about 15,000 senior centers across the country.
Aging and Disability Resource Center
Florida’s coordinated system for information and access to resources and assistance for state and federal benefits, and local programs and services.
Preventing Falls Among Older Adults
The following practices are recommended for older adults to reduce their chances of falling and help them stay independent:
- Exercising regularly (especially leg strengthening and improving balance)
- Having an eye doctor check their vision at least once a year
- Making their home environment safer
- Reviewing their medicines with a doctor or pharmacist
Awareness and Prevention
Effective Community Events: An Implementation Toolkit for Older Adult Falls Prevention provides guidance and resources on planning, communication and engagement, funding, and assessment of older adult falls prevention community activities.
Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries Toolkit contains several resources for health care providers and for patients, to integrate falls prevention into clinical practice by providing resources for clinicians to bridge connections to community level programs and interventions.