Mercer County Residents Build Confidence and Reduce Risk of Falls

Stepping On

Mercer County Residents Build Confidence and Reduce Risk of Falls

County commissions, North Dakota State University and U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. North Dakota State University does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, gender expression/identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, public assistance status, sex, sexual orientation, status as a U.S. veteran, race or religion. Direct inquiries to the Vice President for Equity, Diversity and Global Outreach, 205 Old Main, (701) 231-7708. This publication will be made available in alternative formats for people with disabilities upon request, (701) 231-7881. 2017

The Situation

Falls are the leading cause of injury and injury-related deaths among those 65 and older. One-third of older adults in the U.S. fall each year. The consequences of falls are substantial. They include fractures, head injuries, soft-tissue injuries, loss of mobility, loss of independent living and death. Direct costs include hospitalization, nursing home care, doctor’s office visits, rehabilitation, medical equipment, prescription drugs, changes to the home; and insurance processing. Indirect costs include long-term effects such as disability, dependence on others, lost time from work and household duties, and reduced quality of life. Direct and indirect costs of fall-related injuries are estimated to reach $54.9 billion by 2020. Even when a fall does not cause injuries, many people develop a fear of falling that may limit their activities. This may result in reduced mobility and loss of physical conditioning, increasing the risk of falling, dependence on others, and social isolation. Prevention of falls is important to older adults, their caregivers, and society.
Extension Response

NDSU Extension agent Dena Kemmet partnered with Sakakawea Medical Center therapists to offer a program in Mercer County to help older adults build confidence and reduce falls. The Stepping On program is designed to assist older adults to take control of their risk of falling, explore coping behaviors implement safety strategies in everyday life. The program is offered in a two-hour session once a week for seven weeks. That’s followed by a home visit or phone call to each participant, and a booster session three months later. Stepping On covers a range of topics, including falls and risk, strength and balance exercises, home hazards, safe footwear and clothing, vision as it related to falls, community mobility, coping after a fall and understanding medication risks.

Impacts

To date, 74 individuals have participated in the seven-week program in Mercer County.

On retrospective evaluations since 2013, participants reported a:

· 36 percent increase in knowledge of medication as it relates to falls

· 54 percent improvement in their confidence to move about safely

· 71 percent improvement in their ability to recognize home hazards

Also, 100 percent of the participants reported that the session presentation style was very effective and 86 percent plan to change one or more behaviors to prevent falls.

Public Value Statement

Preventing falls decreases medical costs which can lead to reduced medical insurance premiums, and extends the quality of life.

Primary Contact

Dena Kemmet

Extension Agent/Family and Consumer Sciences

1400 Hwy 49 N., #103, Beulah, ND 58523

701.873.5195