One in four Americans age 65 and older falls every year, making falls the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older adults. Falling is not an inevitable part of aging. Through practical lifestyle adjustments, evidence-based programs and community partnerships, the number of falls among seniors can be reduced substantially.

The Indiana Department of Health implements two falls prevention programs, CDC’s STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries) Toolkit and Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging’s Stepping On program.

CDC's STEADI Toolkit

CDC’s Injury Center created the STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries) toolkit expressly for healthcare providers who treat older adults who are at risk of falling or who may have fallen in the past. STEADI’s tools and educational materials aim to help providers:

1. Screen patients for low, moderate, or high fall risk.
2. Assess a patient’s risk factors.
3. Intervene to reduce risk by giving older adults tailored interventions.

STEADI Materials for Health Care Providers include:

• A flow chart for fall risk screening, assessment and intervention.
• Directions (including videos) on how to screen and conduct standardized functional assessments.
• Information on medication risk factors and management.
• A pocket guide about preventing falls for older patients.
• Information about falls and fall risk factors.
• Training and continuing education videos to help healthcare providers put fall prevention strategies into practice.

STEADI Materials for older patients include:

• Informational brochures on preventing falls.
• Falls prevention checklist.
• Facts sheets with statistics regarding older adult falls.

To explore all of the materials CDC’s STEADI toolkit has to offer, visit http://www.cdc.gov/steadi/index.html

Stepping On Workshops

Stepping On is an evidence-based program proven to reduce falls and build confidence in older people. The program’s small-group community workshops are designed specifically for people who: 1) are at risk of falling, 2) have a fear of falling, or 3) have fallen one or more times. Participants meet for two hours a week for seven weeks in classes that are highly participative and provide a safe and positive learning experience. The program aims to build participants’ confidence in their ability to manage their health behaviors, reduce their risk of falls and maintain active and fulfilling lives.

Who should take the workshop?

Stepping On is for older adults who:

• Live independently in their homes or apartments.
• Are able to walk without the help of another person.
• Do not use a walker, scooter or wheelchair most of the time indoors.
• Are cognitively intact.
• Understand the language being used by the Stepping On Leader.

Subjects covered include:

• Simple and fun strength and balance exercises.
• The role vision plays in keeping balance.
• How medications can contribute to falls.
• Ways to stay safe when out and about in the community.
• What to look for in safe footwear.
• How to check for home safety hazards.

Benefits:

• Learn to step outside the home with confidence.
• Learn with people around the same age.
• Become more aware of fall hazards and learn how the risk of falling can be reduced.
• Study the most up-to-date information on falls prevention.
• Share what has worked with other participants.

Eligibility:

If you answer “yes” to any of the following, Stepping On would be right for you!

• Are you age 60 or older?
• Have you fallen in the past year, even if you weren’t injured?
• Do you have a fear of falling? Or worry that someone you live with might fall?
• Do you live at home or in an independent apartment?

Stepping On might not be designed for you if:

• You use a walker indoors or a wheelchair full-time.
• Have dementia or cognitive impairment.

Join the Program:

University of Indianapolis Health Pavilion, 3rd Floor

FREE Registration: Call (317) 791-5930 or email feer@uindy.edu.