Did you attend Fall Prevention Awareness Day Activities?

The OASIS Institute, in collaboration with CLAIM (State Health Insurance Assistance Program), Missouri Baptist Medical Center and BJC Home Care Services, recently held a community wellness fair for older adults. The “Stay Grounded for Life” event at the Kirkwood Community Center included free screenings related to better balance and fall prevention and tips for preventing fall-related injuries, as well as updates on Medicare changes for 2016.

Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for those 65 and over. Each year, one in three Americans aged 65 and over falls. More than 18,000 older adults die from falls. Falls were the leading cause of injury-related deaths in Missouri in 2013, and Missouri’s rate of fall injury is 31% higher than the national average. Falls often result in fractures or even traumatic brain injuries in older adults; and an estimated $28.2 billion a year is spent annually on treating older adults for the effects of falls. It is projected that the direct treatment costs will reach $54.9 billion annually in 2025, at which time the cost to Medicare would be $32.4 billion.

The event educated older adults on how they can reduce their risk of falling and was sponsored by AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans, insured by United Healthcare Insurance Company. It is the first in a series of fall prevention activities that will take place across Missouri over the next two years as a result of a $558,000 grant from the federal Administration for Community Living (ACL). The goal is to increase participation in evidence-based prevention programs over two years.

Attendees learn six steps to prevent falls, and receive information about local resources, exercise classes and changes they can make around their homes to reduce the risk of falling. The State of Missouri CLAIM office conducts Medicare update presentations.

For more information: https://www.oasisnet.org/St-Louis-MO/Classes?title=Balance