Preventing Falls is the Only Solution

We are glad you are seeking information about the impact of falls and how simple strategies can prevent them! We hope the articles, research, and tools provided will assist you in learning about and advocating for falls prevention for yourself, your family, and your community. This “library” includes a variety of information and resources we feel will be useful, from reliable sources.  Naturally, a large amount of information is available from the internet. Please  be mindful of only relying on dependable sources.

A majority of this content is the original work of others or has been summarized from other works. We are providing it as a courtesy to simplify your search for information.  Please refer to the original source for the full text and/or references as appropriate.

ICOA does not warrant the  accuracy or recommend your personal application of methods or techniques without consultation with your own healthcare team. Please check with your provider before making any changes to your current activities, medications, and other medical/health choices.

We hope you continue to be mindful about falls
and stay informed about falls prevention!

2021 Seminar Materials

  1. Why Falls Matter & How To Prevent Them (9/8/2021)

    1. Presentation Slides
    2. Resource Guide
    3. Seminar Recording
    4. Panelist Bios

  2. Falls Assessment As a Matter of Practice (9/15/2021)

    1. Presentation Slides
    2. Resource Guide
    3. Seminar Recording
    4. Panelist Bios

  3. Falls Prevention: stay Safe – Recognize & Remove Trip Hazards at Home (9/22/2021)

    1. Presentation Slides
    2. Resource Guide
    3. Seminar Recording
    4. Panelist Bios

  4. Simple Steps To Improve Balance & Prevent Falls (9/29/2021)

    1. Presentation Slides
    2. Resource Guide
    3. Seminar Recording
    4. Panelist Bios

ICOA Falls Prevention Library

  1. Fact Sheets

    1. Idaho Unintentional Death By Falls Fact Sheet (2017)

This report from the state of Idaho details accidental fall injuries and deaths in the state as of 2017

  1. Falls Free Infographic (NCOA)

This Infographic depicts important fall statistics in a visual format

  1. Prevention Fact Sheet (2018)

This document summarizes the falls statistics for 2018

  1. Stay Informed: Prevent Falls Fact Sheet (NCOA)

  1. General Informational Articles

    1. Boise Woman Almost Ends Trip (2020)

In this issue of the faux newspaper the Falls – Free Press, there are tips and tricks to reduce fall risk as well as the main story about an Idaho woman who has quite a trip to the Anasazi ruins in the desert Southwest! Read about her adventure!

  1. Exercise Snacks at Home
  2. Falls Prevention Resources for Older Adults and Caregivers
  3. Home Trip Hazard Checklist (STEADI)
  4. My Medication Record

Medications can increase the risk of falling all by themselves. When taking more than one medication, there is also the risk that the interaction may increase risk. Use this medication record form to accurately record all of the medications you take so you can share them with your healthcare team and pharmacist.

  1. My Mobility Plan (CDC)

    Remaining active which retains flexibility, muscle strength and balance is a critical element of reducing the risk of falls. This useful tool allows you to create a personalized plan so you can remain active and reduce your risk.

  1. Myths of Older Adult Falls
  2. Six Steps to Prevent Falls (NCOA)

    This quick. one-page document provides six steps to take right now to reduce the risk of falling.

  1. Why Falls Aren’t Funny (Health Matters, 2021)

  1. Community Partners in Falls Prevention

    1. Fire Departments Role in Falls Prevention
    2. How Your Local Fire Department Can Help With Falls Prevention
    3. Partnering with Fire and Emergency Medical Services To Prevent Falls
    4. Strengthening Falls Prevention Efforts With the Help of First Responders

  2. Info for Caregivers

    1. Caregiver Conversation Guide 2020 (English)
    2. Caregiver Conversation Guide 2021 (English)
    3. Caregiver Conversation Guide (ESPAÑOL)
    4. Idaho Caregiver Alliance (ICA)
      https://idahocaregiveralliance.com/

  3. Falls in Persons with Specific Conditions

    1. Preventing Falls in Persons with Disabilities
    2. Idaho State Independent Living Council (SILC)
      https://silc.idaho.gov/
    3. Osteoarthritis
      http://aging.idaho.gov/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/FALLS_osteoarthritis-.pdf

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis that usually occurs in or after middle-age, can cause  pain stiffness and swelling. These symptoms can make the likelihood of falling greater. This document discusses the impact of osteoarthritis on fall risk.

  1. Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis or what used to be called “brittle bones” not only can increase risk of falling but also dramatically increase the likelihood of fractures from a fall. This document discusses how osteoporosis and falls impact each other.

  1. Postural Hypotension (Spanish/Portuguese)

Postural hypotension or a rapid drop in blood pressure when standing up can be a significant risk for falling. This document discusses the condition and its impact on fall risk.

  1. Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ICBVI)
    https://icbvi.idaho.gov/
  2. Idaho Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (CDHH)
    https://cdhh.idaho.gov/

  1. Toolkits

    1. STEADI Toolkit Contents List

The contents of the CDC’s STEADI toolkit are listed with links to download materials

  1. STEADI Learning Materials For healthcare Providers

This document lists The learning materials healthcare providers will need to present the STEADI program by the CDC with links to download

 

  1. ASCP-NCOA Falls Risk Reduction Toolkit

    For healthcare students and professionals

     

A Companion to CDC’s Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries (STEADI)  Tool Kit is designed to focus on falls risk factors in older adults identified to be at increased risk. The toolkit guides the clinician through a more comprehensive assessment of falls risk inducing medications and medical conditions.

  1. American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) Falls Prevention Toolkit

This toolkit assists occupational therapy practitioners to educate the public by preparing for delivery of a presentation on falls prevention. It includes strategies and resources to reduce fall risk, and the role of occupational therapy in falls prevention.

  1. Research, Reports, and References

    1. Falls Impact Report (2019)
    2. Falls Impact Report (2020)

  2. Falls Risk Assessment Resources

    (For healthcare students and practitioners)

    1. Tools for assessing fall risk in the elderly: a systematic – PubMed
    2. Assessing Fall Risk | ATrain Education
    3. Fall Risk Assessment: MedlinePlus Medical Test
    4. Assessment and management of falls in older people – NCBI

  3. Falls Prevention Fliers

    1. Seminars – General public (2021)
    2. Seminar – Health Students (2021)
    3. Seminar – Health Professionals (2021)
    4. Media Alert (2021)

  4. Additional Resources

    1. Saint Alphonsus Falls Prevention Clinic
      5966 W. Curtis Ave.
      Boise ID 83704
      (208) 302-5400
      https://www.saintalphonsus.org/location/saint-alphonsus-boise-fall-prevention-clinic
    2. Luke’s Elk’s Rehabilitation Hospital
      Robbins Rd.
      Boise ID
      (208) 489-4444

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