“One minute I’m rinsing string beans in the sink, the next I’m on the floor with my dog staring down at me. I slipped on the wet spot I made moving the dripping colander over to the countertop, tripped over the dog trying to keep my balance, and landed hard on my hip and elbow. No major injury—this time. Next time, I might not be so lucky.”

The above is a common story, especially in Wisconsin. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four people age 65+ has a fall each year, with most happening in and around the home. While some result in bumps and bruises, others are more serious, causing head injuries or broken bones. In fact, 95 percent of hip fractures are due to a fall. Additionally, Wisconsin has the dubious distinction of having the highest rate of deadly falls among older adults in the country. The good news is there are steps you can take and resources you can use to reduce your fall risk.

Determine your risk. While falls are more common as people grow older, they’re not inevitable. There are varying degrees of risk based on your habits, health, and environment. To determine your risk, consider taking the National Council on Aging’s Falls Free® CheckUp. This free 13-question assessment determines your risk level and provides suggestions based on your results. Have a conversation with your healthcare provider to discuss risks and concerns and get recommendations. Also, check with your physician before starting any physical activity program. ncoa.org/tools/falls-free-checkup

Know factors that can cause falls. While a fall can happen in a number of scenarios, many are caused by a combination of factors.

  • Balance and strength. Being unsteady on your feet and lacking lower body strength increases your chances of a fall.
  • Home hazards. From cluttered walkways to poor lighting to pets underfoot, these and other conditions in the home can cause slips and trips.
  • Medications. Some prescription and over-the-counter medications can make you drowsy, affecting your balance and gait.
  • Problems with vision. Low vision can make hazards harder to spot and avoid.
  • Unsafe footwear. Slippery bottoms, unstable heels, improper fit, and more can cause a fall.

Reduce your fall risk. Communities statewide offer local fall prevention programs and events.

  • Falls Free© Wisconsin. A Wisconsin-focused website and coalition supported by the Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging, Falls Free Wisconsin is a one stop shop for falls prevention information and resources. Get strategies for putting falls prevention into practice; learn about programs, like the evidence-based Stepping On workshop; and visit the interactive Home Safety Challenge, where you’ll move virtually through a real home, spot the falls hazards, and get tips on how to eliminate them. fallsfreewi.org.
  • Safe At Home. Offered by AgeBetter, Inc. in collaboration with the University of Wisconsin–Madison Occupational Therapy program, the Madison College Occupational Therapy Assistant program, and Safe Communities Madison–Dane County, Safe at Home provides free home safety assessments to older adults in Dane County. Participants receive a list of recommendations to improve safety along with resources to help make those changes. To request an assessment, call (608) 230-4445 or visit agebettertoday.org.
  • Safe Communities Madison–Dane County. A leader in the Falls Free Dane Coalition, Safe Communities provides information, events, and resources, including a calendar of falls prevention and physical activity classes to improve strength and balance and reduce falls risk. Visit safercommunity.net.

From standing on a chair to changing a light bulb to carrying a laundry basket down a cluttered stairway, everyday activities can cause a fall, and a serious fall can be life changing. Take steps today to improve your home’s safety and reduce your falls risk.

Kris Krasnowski is a consultant for AgeBetter, Inc. and a retired nonprofit executive. AgeBetter, Inc. is a nonprofit organization and founder of Safe at Home and Sharing Active Independent Lives (SAIL). SAIL is a membership program providing services and programs that support safe and healthy aging.

AGEBETTER, INC.
(608) 230-4445
agebettertoday.org