According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 36 million older Americans experience a fall each year. Among older adults, one out of five falls cause a serious injury such as broken bones or a head injury. As a result, falls are the leading cause of injury and death among people over age 65. For this population, falls and resulting injuries also can increase the likelihood of nursing home admission.

In Massachusetts, the Executive Office of Aging & Independence (AGE) reports that last year, of the 71,267 older adults assessed by an aging service access point agency (ASAP) like Springwell, 80% identified as having a potential fall risk because they either felt unsteady, worried about falling, and/or had had a fall in the past six months. In fact, nearly 40% reported having had one or more falls in the past year.

Since 2018, in coordination with National Falls Prevention Awareness Month each September, AGE holds a statewide event in which members of the ASAP network invite staff, family, friends, and colleagues to a month-long Step Challenge to raise awareness about the importance of falls prevention. The Annual Step Challenge provides an opportunity for community connection, falls education, and promoting bone and mental health.

The good news is that anyone can take action to reduce their risk of falls. National Council on Aging’s (NCOA’s) Falls Free CheckUp is a 13-question online screening tool that individuals, family caregivers, or service providers can use to help determine a person’s risk of falling. The questions address factors that can lead to falls, such as medications and recent history of falls. No personally identifiable information is collected. The tool, which is available in both Spanish and English at www.ncoa.org/tools/falls-free-checkup/ provides a personalized report that the respondent can share with their healthcare provider to discuss options for reducing risks.

Falls prevention is an important part of any Springwell assessment and care plan, and often home modifications – including something as simple as removing rugs that can create tripping hazards or something more substantial such as installing grab bars in bathrooms – can be a part of the help that Springwell provides, either through a care plan or funded through donations to our Ken Alpert Elder Independence Fund. If you have concerns about your fall risk, talk to your healthcare provider and consider reaching out to Springwell or your care manager.