**** Press Release ****

Oak Creek Health Department
8640 South Howell Avenue
PO Box 27
Oak Creek, WI 53154
414-768-6525
Fax: 414-768-6525

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 2, 2009
CONTACT: Anne Barberena RN and Kerry Wardius RN

Falls are the Leading Cause of Injury Deaths for Older Adults
Oak Creek Health Department Offers Program to Decrease Fall Burden

From 2005 to 2007, nearly 800 adults age 65 and older in Oak Creek visited an emergency department, were hospitalized, or died after a fall. In fact, falls are the leading cause of unintentional injury in this age group – at a rate at least 10 times higher than injury resulting from motor vehicle crashes. For the same three-year period, inpatient hospitalization charges for falls among older adults totaled over $7 million, with an average cost of $24,000 per fall and an average hospital stay lasting 5 days.

Falls have more than just an economic impact. Of those older adults who are hospitalized for a fall, over half are discharged to a skilled or intermediate care facility, rehabilitation facility, swing bed, or other institution or are referred for outpatient services. A participant in the program stated, “After my fall, I was put into an assisted living facility. I still own my own home.”

The Oak Creek Health Department is offering the Stepping On program to help reduce this burden of falls. The seven-week program has been shown to reduce falls by 31%. Education and practice are provided on exercise, home hazards, safe footwear and clothing, vitamin D/sunlight/calcium, managing medication and visual dysfunction, and strategies for getting around safely in the local community. There is also a follow-up phone call two weeks after the program ends and a refresher session three months later to encourage participants to continue their exercises and maintain the fall prevention strategies.

Judith Price, BSN, MS, Oak Creek’s Community Public Health Officer, stated that “During the community needs health assessment, the Oak Creek Fire Department identified unintentional falls of seniors as one of their top reasons for rescue calls.” Many older adults do not want to admit they have fallen because they are afraid they will have to leave their home for an assisted living or other facility. However, people who have fallen or who are at a high risk of falling that participate in the Stepping On program will learn strategies to help maintain their independent living. One person who attended the program said, “I really didn’t think I needed this class but I am so glad I did. I learned so much.” Another reported, “I am more aware of tripping hazards. Survey your surroundings.”

For more information about how to enroll, contact Anne or Kerry at the Oak Creek Health Department, 414-768-6525.