Fogarty Announces Prevention Initiative
Aimed at Reducing Falls Among Seniors;
Goal is to Keep Them Healthy and Save Money
 

April 23, 2004
WARWICK - Lt. Gov.Charles J. Fogarty began a statewide effort to prevent falls among seniors Monday at a press conference at Pilgrim Senior Center.

“Falls are a leading cause of injury deaths and trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults. Of all fall-related fractures, hip fractures cause the greatest numbers of deaths and lead to the most severe health problems and reduced quality of life. Among persons age 75 and older, those who fall are four to five times more likely to be admitted to a long-term care facility for a year or longer,” Fogarty said. “This forces seniors to leave their homes and puts significant financial burdens on our health care system.”

According to figures provided by the National Resource Center of NIH Osteoporosis and Related Bone Disease and the Rhode Island Department of Health (DOH):

  • 9 out of 10 hip fractures are caused by falls
  • Persons with hip fractures are 5-20% more likely to die in first year after fall
  • Most falls happen to women in their own homes in the afternoon
  • Following a fall, 15-25% of persons who were living at home, will still be in long-term care facilities
  • Fractures are the 5th highest cause of hospitalizations among RI women age 65 and over

    The kickoff highlights a new Fall Prevention Partnership aimed at shining the spotlight on falls and what can be done to prevent them and to reduce their associated disabilities. The Partnership will work in 2004 to coordinate fall prevention activities, to share information on available resources and best practices and to promote fall prevention strategies throughout the health and aging services care systems.

    Already, an energetic Task Force of the Council has been working to plan a Fall Prevention “Train the Trainer” Conference scheduled for May 25th targeted toward persons working in home and community service settings. Several agencies, such as the Department of Human Services and the Geriatric Education Center are offering additional training events and activities.