Why Do We Need Work on Preventing Falls

The Quay County Extension Service and the Health Council have form the Falls Prevention Network to help Quay County residents reduce our falls rate.

In the United States, every 29 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall. Every 15 seconds an older adult is treated in an emergency room for a fall-related injury. Nationally Falls remain the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for older Americans.

In New Mexico Falls are also the leading cause of injury-related deaths and hospitalizations among adults 65 years and older. Our rate is two times the national rate and we are the 7th highest in the nation for fall related deaths in older adults.

 

The costs associated with falling are high.  In 2013, the direct medical costs of falls in the United States, adjusted for inflation, was $34 billion.  On average, the hospitalization cost for a fall injury was $35,000.  Falls are responsible for at least 95% of the hip fractures among older adults.  Hip fractures often cause an elderly person to lose functional abilities and develop other health problems. Sometimes hip fractures lead to death.

Follow our #SteadiAsYouGo on FaceBook and Instagram to learn how to help your friends and family members reduce their chances of a fall.