Falls Prevention Awareness Day is on September 22 at the start of the fall season.
Falls are a very serious matter that we all need to be paying attention to the risk. Falling is the leading cause of injury-related emergency department visits. Fall Prevention day is used to address this public health issue. Falls can be more dangerous than they might seem. They can cause bruising, hip fractures, and head injuries. These accidents can be fatal, especially for the elderly, which means that they deserve extra attention to make sure they’re protected.
There are small yet essential things that can make life easier for the elderly. Look around your home and community and consider how they can be affected by the environment. Check for stairs without handrails, slippery bathtubs that could use mats, and uneven floors and bring them up to the appropriate parties to provide a safer space.
Senior citizens can often feel like they’re a burden to their family and friends. Remind them that you’re there if they need anything and ensure that they’re taking care of themselves.
Those that are advanced in age already have a limited time with us, and we need to treasure every moment we have with them. By spreading awareness and ensuring that the ones you care for are protected, you can help create cherished memories with your loved ones.
HISTORY OF FALLS PREVENTION AWARENESS DAY
As people get older, many of their faculties begin to weaken. Eyesight becomes poorer; muscles deteriorate as does coordination. In 1972, Psychology professor Dibner saw a way to help the elderly during this phase of their life. Dibner came up with an idea for a personal emergency response system when they were injured and unable to get to a phone. They could use the device to call for help, and in 1976 he was awarded the patent for Lifeline Systems.
Dibner’s invention took off. It gave the elderly the assistance they needed, and their loved ones a sense of relief knowing that they had direct access to medical services. In 1987, Life Alert was created by Isaac Shepher. This gadget could be worn as a necklace or a wristband with an automated dialer that is connected to a telephone line. As more emergency response systems were created, they became more accessible, and they were able to help more people in need.
In the 1990s, Life Alert became known by everyone because of its memorable commercial. It showed an elderly woman that falls and uses the medical alert pendant by saying the catchphrase “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!” which became famous. The brand visibility of this commercial helped get more of these devices into homes.
In 2007, four state falls prevention coalitions observed Falls Prevention Awareness Day on a state level. The next year, The Falls Free State Coalitions on Falls Prevention Workgroup requested that Falls Prevention Awareness Day be on the first day of fall. Since then, many states have come together to help solve public health issues related to fallen injuries by working with medical professionals and supporters.
FIVE FACTS ABOUT FALLS PREVENTION AWARENESS DAY
1. Falls per second
An adult aged 65 or older falls every second of the day in the United States.
2. The price of falling
Medicare costs of falls that require medical treatment were more than $31 billion in 2015.
3. Injury per year
More than 3 million older adults are treated for fall-related injuries each year.
4. Brain trauma
Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries.
5. Worldwide stats
Falls are the second leading cause of accidental or unintentional injury deaths worldwide. To learn more about Falls please visit our Resource Center - Click Here
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