Show Me Falls Free Missouri Coalition
Slips and falls now rank as the leading cause of injury deaths among people 65 and older, and Missouri’s rate of injuries related to falling is 31 percent higher than the national average.
Falls are not a normal part of aging, and are preventable. The risk of falling — and fall-related problems — rises as people age. If you fall and break a bone it could lead to more serious problems, such as a hospital visit, injury, or disability. However, taking care of your overall health may lower your risk of falling. Here are a few tips to help you avoid falls and broken bones:
- Stay physically active. Plan an exercise program that is right for you; regular exercise can help strengthen muscles.
- Have your eyes and ears tested. Changes in vision and hearing may cause you to fall. If you receive new eyewear or hearing aids, take time to get used to them.
- Make sure you get enough sleep. A lack of sleep can make you susceptible to falls.
- Tell your doctor if you have fallen. A fall can alert your doctor to a possible problem and help the doctor provide you with steps to prevent future accidents.
Show Me Falls Free Missouri Coalition
Missouri has a voluntary group called the Show Me Falls Free Missouri Coalition, organized through the University of Missouri Extension office and comprised of organizations that want to prevent falls in Missouri. Contact preventmofalls@gmail.com for more information about the upcoming meeting and other ways to be involved with the coalition.
Meeting Information:
- Next meeting will be held online on Tuesday, July 11th, 2023, at 10 am.
- Recording and Resources from the meeting on Tuesday, April 4th, 2023. This was a panel of occupational therapists in Missouri.
- PowerPoint and Recording from the meeting on Tuesday, January 10th, 2023. This was a presentation on the connection between falls and traumatic brain injury.
- PowerPoint and Recording from the meeting on Tuesday, November 8th, 2022. The PowerPoint Template and PDFs that were shared during the meeting. This meeting focused on building local falls prevention coalitions.
- PowerPoint and Resources from the meeting on Thursday, September 22nd, 2022. This meeting focused on resources to share during Falls Prevention Awareness Month.
- PowerPoint from the meeting on Thursday, July 28th, 2022. This meeting focused on statewide data and falls prevention efforts in Missouri.
Missouri Organizations and Resources
- Senior Exercise Resource Guide PDF Document
- Senior Falls Prevention Coalition of Clay and Platte Counties
- Many of Missouri’s Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) hold classes on a variety of topics, including fall prevention tips. Find your local AAA here to see what classes are available to you.
National Organizations and General Resources
- In-Home Resources for Falls Prevention and Dementia Care
- National Council on Aging Falls Prevention Awareness Week Toolkit
- CDC’s Falls Prevention page
- CDC’s STEADI (Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths and Injuries) Took Kit for Health Care Providers
- Center of Excellence for Fall Prevention
- “Getting Up From a Fall” handout from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- National Safety Council - Fall Safety: Take Steps to Remain Independent Longer
- Order free falls prevention brochures and publications (CDC – Click on Resources Tab)