Fall Prevention Resources in Delaware
February 3, 2025
Delaware offers a variety of fall prevention resources, including free programs provided by the Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA). COSA's Healthy Steps and A Matter of Balance programs are designed to empower older adults to take control of their health and reduce fall risk. These evidence-based programs address fear of falling through education and equip participants with tools to make a difference in their lives. Delaware also observes Falls Prevention Awareness Week to raise awareness and promote prevention strategies. By exploring these resources further, individuals can discover more about the state's thorough approach to fall prevention.
Key Takeaways
- COSA's Free Programs: COSA offers free fall prevention programs for adults aged 60 and over, including Healthy Steps (virtual) and A Matter of Balance (in-person).
- Community Partnerships: Partnerships with organizations like the University of Delaware, Bayhealth, and ChristianaCare enhance fall prevention through screenings, education, and home evaluations.
- Evidence-Based Programs: Delaware offers evidence-based programs like A Matter of Balance, Bingocize, and Tai Chi to empower individuals to manage fall risk and improve balance and strength.
- Home Safety Assessments: Home safety assessments and modifications, such as adequate lighting and secure handrails, are crucial in reducing fall risks in Delaware homes.
- Delaware Coalition for Injury Prevention: The Delaware Coalition for Injury Prevention actively addresses fall issues, promoting awareness and education to reduce falls among seniors aged 65 and older.
COSA's Fall Prevention Programs
Delaware County Office of Services for the Aging (COSA) offers extensive fall prevention programs designed to empower older adults to take control of their health and reduce the risk of falls. These free programs, available for adults age 60 and over, include Healthy Steps and A Matter of Balance. Both programs aim to address the fear of falling through education and equip participants with practical tools to reduce fall risk.
Healthy Steps is offered virtually in two-session formats on specific dates: September 22nd and 23rd, October 13th and 15th, and November 17th and 18th. A Matter of Balance is conducted in-person at the Friendship Circle Senior Center from October 4th to November 22nd, with adjustments for holidays.
To participate, registration is required. Interested individuals should contact Ellen Williams, Health and Wellness Program Manager at COSA, via email at [email protected] or by phone at 610-499-1937. These programs not only aim to prevent falls but also seek to improve overall health and independence, providing referrals and resources for further support. By offering both virtual and in-person sessions, COSA guarantees accessibility for a broader range of participants. The annual cost of falls in the U.S. is significant, reaching $50 billion for non-fatal falls alone. Community-based fall prevention programs have been shown to reduce in-home falls by nearly 40%.
Training and Community Outreach
Community outreach and training programs play an essential role in fall prevention efforts in Delaware. Organizations such as the University of Delaware, Bayhealth, and ChristianaCare collaborate to provide gait and balance screenings, medical education, and home setup evaluations to help aging adults understand and mitigate fall risks. Through partnerships with Volunteer Delaware 50+ and the Delaware Coalition for Injury Prevention, these initiatives aim to empower seniors with the knowledge and tools necessary to prevent falls and maintain their independence. Falls Prevention Awareness Week is observed annually, with the 2024 event taking place from September 23-27.
Community Outreach Strategies
Effective fall prevention in Delaware relies heavily on strategic community outreach strategies that engage various stakeholders and leverage diverse platforms to disseminate critical information. Public events and health fairs are pivotal in this effort. During Falls Prevention Awareness Week, events like the Mid-County Center Health Fair offer screenings and educational materials to seniors, including fall prevention screenings, wheelchair, cane, and rolling walker checks. These events often involve partnerships with local agencies, such as the Wilmington Police Department, to reach high-risk communities and promote safe environments.
Educational programs like "A Matter of Balance" and "Falls-Free Zone" provide extensive fall prevention information, including balance training, medication management, and home modification advice. The Delaware Coalition for Injury Prevention supports these initiatives and encourages the use of programs like STEADI to help identify and understand fall risks. Strategic partnerships with universities, health care providers, and community organizations, such as ChristianaCare and Bayhealth, enhance the reach and effectiveness of fall prevention programs in Delaware. Media campaigns and public service announcements further amplify the importance of fall prevention, reaching various age groups and emphasizing the need for safe environments across the lifespan.
Regular exercise is crucial for fall prevention as it strengthens muscles and improves balance, significantly reducing the risk of falls among older adults.
Training Program Partnerships
Building on the foundation of community outreach strategies, training program partnerships play a pivotal role in enhancing fall prevention efforts in Delaware. These partnerships bring together various stakeholders, including healthcare providers, educational institutions, and community organizations, to provide extensive fall prevention training and resources.
Key partners in Delaware's fall prevention efforts include:
- University of Delaware: Collaborates with healthcare providers to conduct gait and balance screenings and provide personalized fall prevention tips.
- Bayhealth: Participates in the Delaware Coalition for Injury Prevention and offers educational programs on fall risk factors and prevention strategies.
- ChristianaCare: Offers the Safe Steps Program, which includes home setup evaluations, medical history assessments, and recommendations for assistive devices.
These partnerships facilitate the implementation of evidence-based programs like "A Matter of Balance" and "Healthy Steps," designed for adults 60 and over. By leveraging resources and expertise, these collaborations help empower individuals to manage fall risk and promote a safer, healthier community.
Public Education Initiatives**
Empowering individuals to manage fall risk requires a multifaceted approach that includes thorough public education initiatives. In Delaware, various organizations collaborate to educate the public on fall prevention strategies. The Delaware Coalition for Injury Prevention, Bayhealth, the University of Delaware, and ChristianaCare work together to provide extensive fall prevention education through community events and health fairs.
These initiatives include conducting gait and balance screenings to identify fall risks, providing medical education on medications, fall history, and home setup, and offering personalized tips on fall prevention based on individual assessments. Evidence-based programs like "A Matter of Balance" are used to address the fear of falling, incorporating fitness and health education through programs like Bingocize. Physical therapy students and medical professionals are involved in community screenings, and resources for home improvements and assistive devices are provided to prevent falls. These public education initiatives aim to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to reduce their risk of falling and maintain their independence.
Additionally, ensuring adequate lighting along staircases and walkways is a crucial aspect of fall prevention that is emphasized in these educational initiatives.
State Initiatives and Funding
Delaware has taken proactive steps to address the critical issue of falls prevention among older adults through various state initiatives and funding mechanisms. The Stepping Up to Prevent Falls Coalition, led by the Delaware Public Health District, plays a pivotal role in implementing evidence-based strategies to prevent falls. Key partners include SourcePoint and other local organizations and businesses committed to falls prevention.
Key Funding and Initiatives:
- Grant Awards: Education Health and Research International, Inc. in Delaware received a grant from ACL for falls prevention programs in 2023, with a project period from May 1, 2023 to April 30, 2027.
- Coalition Efforts: The Delaware Coalition for Injury Prevention supports public education injury prevention programs, focusing on safe communities throughout Delaware, and facilitates networking among agencies to decrease duplication of effort and stretch scarce resources.
- Program Implementation: The Stepping Up to Prevent Falls Coalition implements strategies such as fall-risk assessments, home modifications, balance and mobility training, and medical screenings, while SourcePoint offers free, proven classes to address falls, including A Matter of Balance and Falls-Free Zone.
These initiatives aim to build capacity and sustain programs after the grant period, emphasizing planning, resource identification, and sustainability.
Falls Prevention Awareness Week
Falls Prevention Awareness Week, observed from September 23-27, 2024, is a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing falls among seniors and individuals 65 and older. Key initiators, including the Delaware Coalition for Injury Prevention, Governor John Carney, and Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long, emphasize the importance of annual health assessments, balance classes, and home modifications to prevent falls. Through various events and activities, this awareness week promotes community outreach strategies and prevention initiatives to address the leading cause of injury death among older adults. The Delaware State Health Improvement Plan (SHIP) also addresses broader health concerns, including chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, which are leading causes of death in Delaware.
Falls Prevention Events
To address the critical issue of falls among older adults, a dedicated awareness campaign was launched in Delaware. Falls Prevention Awareness Week, proclaimed by Governor John Carney and Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long, took place from September 23 to 27, 2024. The Delaware Coalition for Injury Prevention's Falls Prevention Team organized this initiative to reduce broken bones, head injuries, and disabilities by preventing falls.
Key aspects of the 2024 Falls Prevention Awareness Week include:
- Statewide Events: Various events and awareness campaigns were held across the state to educate the public about fall prevention strategies.
- Community Engagement: The campaign encouraged community participation through fall prevention screenings, checks for assistive devices like wheelchairs and canes, and the distribution of falls prevention awareness resources.
- Prevention Strategies: Emphasis was placed on home modifications, annual healthcare visits for medication reviews and fall risk assessments, and participation in balance classes such as A Matter of Balance. Falls are a significant concern as they are the leading cause of injuries in older adults, underscoring the importance of these prevention efforts.
Community Outreach Strategies
A thorough approach to community outreach is essential in addressing the critical issue of falls among older adults. In Delaware, strategic partnerships and educational initiatives play a pivotal role in promoting fall prevention awareness.
The Delaware Coalition for Injury Prevention collaborates with local organizations such as the University of Delaware, Bayhealth, and ChristianaCare to conduct fall risk screenings and provide medical education. These partnerships extend to physical therapy departments for assessments and mobility screenings, and integrate with primary care providers to share screening results and recommend assistive devices.
Community Outreach Strategies | Description |
---|---|
Strategic Partnerships | Collaboration with local organizations for fall risk screenings and medical education. |
Educational Initiatives | Educational programs like A Matter of Balance and Falls-Free Zone curriculums. |
Community Engagement | Statewide events and health fairs during Falls Prevention Awareness Week. |
Resource Accessibility | Free fall prevention screenings and assessments at community health fairs. |
Promotion | Encouragement of community members to look out for neighbors and contribute to safe public spaces. |
These extensive strategies aim to educate aging adults about their fall risks and provide them with the necessary tools to prevent falls, ensuring they can age safely at home.
Prevention Awareness Initiatives**
In Delaware, a concerted effort to address the critical issue of falls among older adults is underscored by strategic partnerships and educational initiatives, particularly during Falls Prevention Awareness Week. This annual event, proclaimed by Governor John Carney and Lieutenant Governor Bethany Hall-Long from September 23 to 27, 2024, aligns with national efforts to prevent falls among older adults.
Key components of Delaware's prevention awareness initiatives include:
- Collaborative Events: The Delaware Coalition for Injury Prevention works with various organizations such as the University of Delaware and Bayhealth to conduct screenings and educational events. These events provide seniors with free gait and balance screenings and medical history evaluations, followed by personalized tips on fall prevention.
- Educational Resources: A Matter of Balance classes are offered in communities throughout Delaware to help prevent falls. Additionally, resources from the CDC's STEADI program and NCOA are utilized to support fall prevention strategies.
- Statewide Proclamations: The official proclamation of Falls Prevention Awareness Week by state leaders underscores the importance of addressing falls among older adults, emphasizing the need for extensive prevention strategies.
Prevention Strategies and Tools
Delaware's extensive approach to fall prevention encompasses a variety of evidence-based strategies and tools designed to reduce the risk of falls among older adults. Key components include community-based programs offered by SourcePoint, such as A Matter of Balance, Falls-Free Zone, Health in Action, and Aging Mastery, which are free and proven to address falls. Additionally, innovative programs like Bingocize and Tai Chi for Arthritis & Falls Prevention utilize engaging methods to improve balance, flexibility, and strength.
Healthcare providers are supported through the STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries) initiative, which provides resources and training for fall risk screening, assessment, and intervention. STEADI also offers an algorithm for healthcare providers to implement and evaluate fall prevention programs in clinical settings. Moreover, home safety assessments and modifications are emphasized, with SourcePoint providing free home safety checks and suggestions to make homes safer. These thorough strategies aim to prevent falls among older adults by addressing various risk factors and promoting overall health and wellness. The Stepping Up to Prevent Falls Coalition also plays a vital role in promoting evidence-based strategies for fall prevention.
Impact and Statistics
Falls among older adults in Delaware pose a significant public health concern, with 3,483 falls reported among individuals aged 65 and older in 2023, resulting in 923 head injuries. This issue is not unique to Delaware, as falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for older Americans nationwide. The demographic impact is substantial, with adults aged 65 and older being more susceptible to falls, and Delaware men experiencing a higher number of falls compared to women in most age groups, except for those over 70.
Key statistics highlight the severity of the issue:
- Frequency of Falls: Every 11 seconds, a senior visits an emergency department because of a fall nationally.
- National Trends: Over one-third of adults age 65 and older fall each year nationally.
- Delaware Specifics: 3,483 falls among individuals aged 65 and older occurred in Delaware in 2023, with 923 resulting in head injuries.
The public health impact is significant, underscoring the need for preventive measures and regular healthcare visits to assess and reduce fall risks. The Delaware Coalition for Injury Prevention and national initiatives like the Falls Free Initiative are essential in addressing this public health issue. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) plays a crucial role in this effort by leading the National Falls Prevention Resource Center, focusing on awareness and education regarding falls prevention.
Home Safety Assessments
To effectively mitigate the risk of falls among older adults, a thorough approach that includes home safety assessments is essential. These assessments involve evaluating various aspects of the home environment to identify and address potential hazards. Key steps include ensuring adequate lighting in all areas, removing clutter from floors and stairs, and installing securely fastened handrails on all stairs. Additionally, securing area rugs with nonskid tape and arranging furniture to provide clear walking paths are critical measures.
Home modification recommendations include adding contrasting strips to stairs for better visibility, installing outdoor lighting on paths in and out of the house, and considering bed rails for stabilization when getting in and out of bed. Professional assistance, such as using services like Comfort Keepers for home safety assessments and following detailed safety checklists, is also essential. Regular inspections and repairs of loose handrails, uneven flooring, and other potential hazards are necessary to maintain a safe living environment. By integrating these measures, older adults can considerably reduce their risk of falls. Falls are a significant concern for seniors, with one in four seniors aged 65+ experiencing a fall annually.
Evidence-Based Prevention Programs**
Evidence-based prevention programs play an essential role in reducing the risk of falls among older adults in Delaware. These programs are designed to address the multifaceted nature of falls, incorporating elements such as balance and mobility training, home safety modifications, and education on reducing fear of falling.
Key components of evidence-based fall prevention programs in Delaware include:
- Thorough Risk Assessments: Identifying risk factors such as medication interactions, vision/hearing problems, and home safety hazards.
- Balance and Mobility Training: Programs like Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention, and A Matter of Balance, which focus on improving balance, flexibility, and strength.
- Education and Social Engagement: Educating participants on practical strategies to reduce fear of falling and promoting healthy lifestyles, while incorporating social activities to enhance engagement and adherence.
These programs, offered by organizations such as SourcePoint, ChristianaCare, and the Delaware Public Health District, aim to reduce the risk of falls and fall-related injuries, improve quality of life, and promote independence among older adults in Delaware. By addressing the various factors that contribute to falls, these evidence-based programs provide a thorough approach to fall prevention.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Register for Cosa's a Matter of Balance Program?
To register for COSA's A Matter of Balance program, contact Ellen Williams, Health and Wellness Program Manager, at [email protected] or by calling 610-499-1937 to reserve a spot in the upcoming sessions.
Are Fall Prevention Programs Available for Adults Under 60?
Coincidentally, the availability of fall prevention programs for adults under 60 is limited, as most programs, such as Healthy Steps for Older Adults and Stepping On, specifically target older adults, leaving a gap in services for younger adults.
Can I Volunteer to Teach Fall Prevention Classes in Delaware?
Volunteer Delaware 50+ offers opportunities to volunteer as a coach for A Matter of Balance classes, teaching older adults to manage their fear of falling and stay active through eight two-hour sessions. Contact 302-515-3020 for more information.
Are There Any Free Home Safety Assessments Available in Delaware?
Despite potential concerns about program eligibility, Delaware residents can access free home safety assessments through the Health-ON Delaware Strong program, SOS Group, and other local initiatives, focusing on identifying and mitigating home hazards.
Can I Participate in Fall Prevention Programs if I Have Mobility Issues?
Individuals with mobility issues can participate in fall prevention programs in Delaware, which offer adaptable services, including virtual accessibility, in-home assessments, and use of assistive devices, tailored to meet individual mobility needs.