Fall Prevention
This section was developed in response to escalating public health concerns around falls and fall-related injuries among older adults.
It also was inspired by the challenges of providing easily accessible and useful information to the
public and the County of San Diego Aging and Independence Services' commitment to responding to the needs of the community and empowering
individuals and the community to make safe and healthy living choices.
The goal of this section is to collect and make accessible existing best-practice information and local resources around fall prevention
for those who could benefit most: older adults and persons with disabilities, their caregivers, physicians, and other health and social
service providers.
An estimated one in three persons 65 years and older fall each year. Preventing falls is an important step towards maintaining independence.
Tips to prevention falls include:
Exercise – Lack of exercise leads to muscle weakness and increases your chance of falling. Do the type of physical activity that you
enjoy – walk, swim, take a Tai Chi class, join a local exercise class or exercise while sitting at home using the
Sit and Be Fit Balance and Fall Prevention Workout.
Make sure your home is safe – About half of all falls happen at home. A safe home environment can help reduce your fall risk. Check the
Task Force website for home safety checklists.
Have your medications checked by a physician or pharmacist – Taking four or more medications increases fall risk. Certain medications have
greater fall risk – so take all medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, minerals and herbals to your next visit and ask the
doctor or pharmacist to check whether your medications are contributing to your fall risk.
Check your vision – Have your eyes checked yearly.
For more tips, classes, programs and local resources, go to www.smcfallprevention.org.
Videos
"Don't Fall for It" (10 Minutes)
the short version provides a brief overview of the problem, common risk factors and simple steps anyone can take to lower their risk of falling.
"Don't Fall for It" (28 Minutes)
the long version describes the above information in more detail and highlights the personal stories of three elderly individuals.
Spanish version of "Don't Fall for It" (14 Minutes)
this version provides an overview of the problem, common risk factors and simple steps anyone can take to lower their risk of falling.
Other Resources
Fall Prevention Center of Excellence
Fall Prevention Task Force Poster
Sit and Be Fit Balance and Fall Prevention Workout
Fall Prevention Recommendations
A Tool Kit to Prevent Senior Falls: Falls in Nursing Homes
A Tool Kit to Prevent Senior Falls: The Costs of Fall Injuries Among Older Adults
Check For Safety: A Home Fall Prevention Checklist for Older Adults - pdf
Collection of Fall Prevention Checklists - pdf
Falls Prevention: Your Safety Checklist and Guide - pdf
How to Reduce Your Risk of Falling
Morse Fall Scale - pdf
National Institute on Aging Resources
Exercise & Physical Activity: Your Everyday Guide from the National Institute on Aging
Exercise and Physical Activity Guide - PDF
Facts, General Information and Research
Falls Among Older Adults: Summary of Research Findings
Falls and Fractures
Falls and Hip Fractures Among Older Adults
Falls: General Information - pdf
Guideline for the Prevention of Falls in Older Persons - pdf
Guidelines for Fall Prevention in Acute, Sub-acute and Residential Care Settings - pdf
Nursing Best Practice Guideline: Prevention of Fall and Injuries in the Older Adult - pdf
Preventing Falls and Related Fractures - pdf
Preventing Falls in the Elderly
Prevention of Falls
Tai Chi for Older People Reduces Falls, May Help Maintain Strength
Tai Chi May Combat Seniors' Fear of Falling
Why Do We Fall?
Although resources in this section have been selectively chosen, it is a work in progress and we recognize that not all
available resources are included. Please contact us with comments, questions or suggestions
for additional resources to help make this site as comprehensive and user-friendly as possible.