Falls Prevention for Iowa
Falls are a significant concern for Iowans, especially with Iowa’s aging population. For all age groups, falls are the second leading cause of injury deaths in Iowa, and the leading cause of injury hospitalizations and emergency visits in Iowa. Falls are the leading cause of injury, death, and hospitalization among Iowans over the age of 65.
At least one older adult dies every day from a fall in Iowa and 22 others are hospitalized as a result of a fall. Additionally, three seniors will visit an emergency department every hour in Iowa related to a fall. There are countless other seniors who fall in their homes or communities and never seek care, though they may need it. Falls contribute to many older Iowans losing their ability to live independently as they age. The causes of falling vary with contributing factors including: reduced strength in lower extremities, use of four or more medications, poor vision, chronic health problems and unsafe home conditions.
Answer 12 questions to assess your risk of falls and receive a personalized report to share with your health care provider. Click HERE.
Click on one of the buttons below to learn the 6 Steps to Prevent a Fall
In English En Espanol
Family and friends can help you reduce your fall risk.
Do you know how to get up after a fall at home?
Check out this video that will help you keep your home, Falls Free. Click HERE
Check out this video that will help you navigate outdoor fall hazards. Click HERE
Handouts for Older Adults
Debunking the Myths of Older Adult Falls
6 Steps to Protect Your Older Loved One From a Fall
Osteoporosis, Falls, and Broken Bones
Tips for Living Life to Its Fullest – Falls Prevention
Since 2014, nearly 3,400 Iowa older adults and adults with disabilities have participated in Falls Prevention programs. This translates to over $1.6 Million saved through falls prevention programs for older Iowans! To learn more about the impact evidence-based falls prevention programs have made in Iowa, please download the following fact sheet:
Check out this video to learn more about Falls Prevention Programs. Click HERE.
Evidence-Based Falls Prevention Community Programs in Iowa:
- A Matter of Balance https://www.ncoa.org/resources/evidence-based-program-a-matter-of-balance/
- Stepping On https://www.ncoa.org/resources/program-summary-stepping-on/
- Tai Chi https://www.ncoa.org/resources/tai-chi-arthritis-program-information-guidance/
- CAPABLE program https://www.ncoa.org/resources/capable-program-summary/
Look for local programs starting nearby you on our Calendar.
It’s Falls Prevention Awareness Week September 21st-25th! Click HERE for tool kits, resources, media messages to use in your efforts to raise awareness of Falls.
The following are presentations from the Virtual Iowa Falls Prevention Symposium 2020.
Video of the webinar – Solutions for a Safer Home (coming soon).
Iowa Falls Prevention Coalition
The mission of the Iowa Falls Prevention Coalition is to facilitate collaboration between state, community and health care system partners to reduce falls by building awareness, providing education, and supporting implementation of fall prevention efforts.
The vision: All Iowans will have fewer falls and fall-related injuries, maximizing their independence and quality of life.
The Coalition is made up of 50+ Iowa agencies and community-based organizations working together to support the expansion and sustainability of fall prevention programs and services across the state that educate older Iowans about the risk of falls, address their fear of falling, and teach exercises to improve their balance and increase their activity levels.
If you are interested in joining the Iowa Falls Prevention Coalition, please contact us HERE.
Click HERE to link to the Office of Drug Control Policy’s website and locate a prescription drug take back site near you!
Click HERE to learn more about medication management.
Safe Use of Medicines for Older Adults
Proper medication management can reduce your risk for a fall. Print this medication record form to track your medications and have your medications reviewed by a doctor or pharmacist. Use it to record the names of your medications, purpose for taking them, dosage and timing instructions, and medication side effects.
Medication Record Form