Older Adult Falls Prevention
Essential Information
Why is it important?
Falls are the leading cause of accidental injury death among adults 65 years of age and older in the United States and in New Mexico. Most of fall-related injuries leading to death among older adults are hip fractures and traumatic brain injury. A serious injury from a fall can limit mobility and independent living. Falls can also increase the risk of serious injury and early death. Many people who fall develop a fear of falling and may become more sedentary, further increasing their risk for a secondary fall. Most falls are preventable and not a normal part of aging.
New Mexico's fall-related death rate was 8% higher than the national death rate for residents 65+ in 2022. The number of adult falls that were admitted, transferred, or passed away at a trauma center during 2018 – 2022 was 2,541. Despite the increasing number of falls, fall-related deaths have decreased 20%, showing the importance of appropriate care at trauma centers. All trauma centers have made a point of emphasizing the care and medical management of elderly falls.
What is being done?
New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) established an Older Adult Falls Task Force in 2013 to evaluate New Mexico’s current approach to community-based fall prevention.
The Adult Falls Program primary prevention was designed to reduce falls and related injuries.
Primary Prevention
The initiative focuses on improving physical activity, clinical intervention, and home safety modification using five evidence-based interventions. Members of the community function as Master Trainers, instructors, or coaches to provide access and reduce fall-related deaths.
If you are interested in becoming an instructor or attending an intervention, please contact Helen Wakefield.
Primary Intervention Evidence-Based Interventions
Tai Chi for Arthritis
Tai Chi for Arthritis was created by the Tai Chi for Health Institute and is recommended by the CDC. The intervention is an evidence-based fall prevention exercise program that improves muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and mobility while reducing joint pain and stiffness. Additional benefits include improved relaxation, vitality, posture, and immunity.
Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance
Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance is a community intervention consisting of a 6-month class. The class is a group instruction of eight Yang-style Tai Chi forms. The Tai Chi forms have been modified to improve balance and strength among older adults and individuals with balance disorders. The class, composed of 48 sessions, is led by a certified instructor. The class meets two times a week for one-hour.
A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls
A Matter of Balance is a community intervention designed to reduce the fear of falling and increase physical activity. A group class, led by a Master Trainer or certified coach, meets once a week for eight weeks. Each weekly session meets for two hours. The focus of the class is to enhance self-efficacy among older adults to live independently. A Matter of Balance is now offered in 41 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada.
Otago
Otago is an exercise program facilitated by a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant in the clinical or community setting. The intervention consists of two phases, the clinical phase and the self-management phase.
The first phase is an eight-week instruction led by the physical therapist or physical therapy assistant. The second phase transitions into a four to ten-month period of self-care. During this phase, the program participant continues practicing the exercises learned in phase one, without led instruction.
If you are interested in learning more about where you may find an Evidence-Based Fall Prevention Class near you, please call the NM Nurse Hotline at -1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773)
NOTE: If you are concerned about falling, ask your physician if you qualify for physical therapy with otago. This may be covered by your health insurance.
STopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries Toolkit
The STopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths, and Injuries Toolkit (STEADI) was developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is meant to be implemented in outpatient clinical settings to assess patients for fall-risk and referral to individual and community support. The target population for this intervention includes providers, caretakers, and older adults.
The STEADI resource toolkit for healthcare providers includes:
- Strength and Balance Testing
- Vitamin D Testing
- Medication Management
- Vision Recommendations
- Home Safety Evaluations
- Older Adult Education
Please see our STEADI Program Brochure to learn more.
NOTE: If you are concerned about falling, ask your doctor about STEADI.
Primary Intervention Community Benefits
- More health providers will have the tools to screen older adults for their risk of falls and to refer them to fall prevention programs.
- Caregivers and family members are trained and educated in strategies to reduce falls in older adults.
- Increased availability of evidence-based falls prevention and physical activity programs in community-based organizations serving the older adult population.
- Improves mechanisms for healthcare providers to screen and refer older adults, who may be at risk for falls, to community-based falls prevention and physical activity.
- Individuals are empowered to promote falls prevention strategies in their communities.
Community Involvement
New Mexico Adult Falls Prevention Coalitions
The NMDOH attends and participates in monthly New Mexico Adult Falls Prevention Coalition (NMAFPC) meetings. The NMAFPC sponsors trainings and speakers on relevant falls prevention topics, supports evidence-based falls prevention programs in New Mexico and provides fall prevention informational tools. The coalition membership represents a wide range of public and private non-profit agencies and community workgroups. All individuals are welcome to attend these coalition meetings.
Please visit the New Mexico Adult Fall Prevention Coalition website to learn more.
Adult Falls Prevention Awareness Day
Since Falls Prevention Awareness Day was first observed in 2008. The event raises awareness about how to prevent fall-related injuries among older adults. If you are interested in learning more about where you may find an Evidence-Based Fall Prevention Class near you, please call the NM Nurse Hotline at -1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773)
Recent Activity
News Articles
Latest
- Rate of Death due to Falls among Older Adults Decreased in 2019 (December 28, 2020)
- New Mexico Adult Falls Death Rate Decreases (September 26, 2017)
- Older Adults Have the Power to Prevent a Fall (September 21, 2016)
Popular
- New Mexico Adult Falls Death Rate Decreases (December 2, 2014)
- Falls are Leading Cause of Emergency Room Visits and Hospitalizations for 65+ (September 20, 2016)
- New Mexico Fall Prevention Awareness Day (September 23, 2015)
Publications
Latest
- Unintentional Fall-Related Injuries Among Older Adults in NM, 2019-2023 (Report)
- Older Adult Falls Prevention Brochure (Marketing)
- Matter of Balance Program Brochure (Marketing)
Popular
- Evidence-Based and Promising Programs Directory (Training)
- Home Fall Prevention Checklist for Older Adults (Marketing)
- Inicio Fall Prevención Comprobar Lista (Spanish Version)
- What You Can Do To Prevent Falls (Marketing)
- Lo Que Usted Puede Hacer Para Prevenir las Caídas (Spanish Version)