Alaska Fall-Related Injury Prevention

Program Links

• 2009-2013 Alaska Falls Fact Sheet

• Workout To Go for Alaskans! (1.5mb)
  
  Download the Workout To Go guide to learn how you can help prevent falls (check with your provider to see if these options are right for you):

Other Resources

You can link to these helpful websites for info on:

• STEADI Older Adult Fall Prevention - Online Training for Providers
• Go to Medicare.Gov or ask your provider for info about Fall Risk Assessments for Medicare Beneficiaries
• Alaska Commission on Aging - Falls Prevention Page

About Falls in Alaska

Fall injuries are the number one cause of hospitalized injuries in Alaska.

From 2002-2006, there were 8,333 hospitalized cases documented in the Alaska Trauma Registry due to falls and fall-related injuries, of which one-third of these cases were seniors ages 65 and older. Fall injuries comprise over 40% of all injury-related hospital admissions for adults ages 30 years and older and is the leading cause of fatal injuries for seniors 75 and older.

Facts About Senior Falls:

According to the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services:

• Falls are the number one leading cause of serious injury requiring medical attention and the loss of independence among Alaska residents aged 55 plus.
• In 2016 alone, (most recently available compiled data) the total amount billed to Alaska seniors for falls-related injuries was approximately $135 million—triple the amount billed in 2012. The average fall cost $80,000 for acute services only; including emergency medical services, emergency departments, intensive care units, and hospital charges.
• Alcohol, prescription drugs, and other substances are associated with increased likelihood for falls. Of those screened, 64% tested positive for alcohol, 25% tested positive for prescription drugs, and 25% for other substances. Further analysis of the data indicates the majority of those who tested positive for other substances had also tested positive for marijuana.

For more information about physical activity options that can help prevent falls, check with your local Senior Center.

Preventing Fall-Related Injuries

All Alaskans should keep sharp and balanced with an exercise program that focuses on strengthening and stretching. To find out if a program will work for you, check with your provider.

Assess the Risk of Falling

Your health provider can give you a FALL RISK ASSESSMENT. Ask them to include the FALL RISK ASSESSMENT at your Welcome or Annual Wellness Visit.

Medicare Fall Risk Assessment

For Medicare Beneficiaries

Go to Medicare.Gov or ask your provider for more info

Maintaining your personal independence keeps you in control. Ask your Medicare provider for your fall-risk assessment, as part of your Welcome or Annual Wellness Visit.

You may be asked about your:

• medications
• vision
• balance/gait
• safety items in your home
• regular exercise

"Stay fit, stay healthy, stay independent."

• Watch a 30 second PSA about Fall Risk Assessments for Medicare beneficiaries,
  featuring former Chief Medical Officer for Alaska, Ward Hurlburt, M.D., MPH
  (Download script)

Highlights

Fall Prevention Highlighted at Alaska Health Fairs

Fall prevention education is a focus at the Alaska Health Fairs. Read more.

Read more articles from Alaska Injury Prevention Program:

• What do a Famous Astronaut, a Weight-Loss Guru, and a Commissioner on Aging have in Common?
• New senior fitness activities in Anchorage
• Anchorage Senior Activity Center helps Prevent Falls and Encourage Independence
• Feel down? Get up! Emotional benefits of exercise even in the dark days of Alaska winter

Listen to our Public Service Announcement (PSA)* about adult falls and how you can prevent them

*PSA transcript:
"Broken hips and head injuries can have life-altering effects, especially for older adults. But no matter how old you are, it's important to be physically active to prevent injuries. Activity can also increase your strength, balance, and can be done at ANY age. Ask your health care provider about activities that will improve your health. You're never too old to get stronger.

Learn more about starting a new activity at InjuryPrevention-dot-alaska-dot-gov (injuryprevention.alaska.gov)."