About Us
The Utah Falls Prevention Alliance was formed in May 2017. The group is composed of
diverse stakeholders dedicated to reducing falls and fall injuries in Utah's older
adult population. We work to increase public awareness of the steps older adults and
their families can take to prevent falls. The Alliance builds connections between
our healthcare providers, Emergency Medical Services, and health insurers to improve
coordination of care.
Take Action - Stay Active and Independent
Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death and hospitalizations in Utahns
age 65 and older. Consequences from a fall can severely limit one’s ability to live
independently. Older adults who fall once are twice as likely as their peers to fall
again. Despite these statistics, falls do not need to be an inevitable part of aging.
Research has shown that many falls can be prevented. The CDC’s My Mobility Plan outlines actions you and your loved ones can take today to help you stay safe and independent.
Specific Strategies
Resources for Individuals and Families
Take a Falls Prevention Class
Sign Up (select Stepping On under "Explore Workshops")
Sign up (select "Stepping On" in the Search box under Register for a Program; filter options by zip code and miles)
sign up (select "Tai Chi for Arthritis" in the Search box under Register for a Program; filter options by zip code and miles)
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Up to 1 out of 2 older Americans are at risk for malnutrition. Malnutrition can worsen chronic conditions and make it difficult for older adults to remain independent. In a recent study, 47% of frail older adult presenting to the Emergency Department with a fall were malnourished and malnutrition was associated with an increased risk of falls for these individuals.
All health professionals should screen older adults for malnutrition and, if positive, refer to a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) for an assessment.
A coalition of over 100 organizations and stakeholders working to defeat older adult malnutrition.
Falls Prevention: National, State and Local Solutions to Better Support Seniors
Special Committee on Aging, United States Senate
Posthospital Fall injuries 30-Day readmissions in Adults 65 Years and Older
This cohort study using Hospital Cost and Utilization Project data from 8.3 million Medicare beneficiaries found that fall-related injuries ranked as high as the third-leading readmission diagnosis, depending on the type of initial hospitalization.
Effect of a Home-Based Exercise Program on Subsequent Falls Among Community-Dwelling High-Risk Older Adults After a Fall
In this randomized clinical trial that included 344 older adults receiving geriatrician-led care at a fall prevention clinic, a home-based strength and balance retraining exercise program significantly reduced subsequent falls compared with usual care only (1.4 vs 2.1 falls per person-year).
Simple Ways to Prevent Falls in Older Adults
As we age, the risk of falling increases and becomes increasingly perilous. A fall can be a real health setback for a frail, elderly person. And, more older adults are dying from falls today than 20 years ago.
