Falls are painful, common, and costly. But proven community-based fall prevention programs demonstrate positive change in both knowledge and behavior (National Council on Aging, 2016). Fall prevention programs have the potential to save an estimated $18-21,000 in health care costs per person, in cases involving a fatality or hospitalization. 

Boone County Cooperative Extension presented a one-time “Stand Up to Falling” program to more than 100 aging adults as part of the Cooperative Extension Homemaker workshop “Healthy Living from the Inside Out.” In addition, an 8-week “A Matter of Balance” series was presented in collaboration with the Florence Senior Center at their facility to 12 adult men and women ranging in age from 65 to 85. Both curricula are provided by University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension. Mailed follow up evaluations were completed for both educational efforts approximately three months after the completion of the programs.

A Matter of Balance teaches physical exercises participants can use to build their strength and information to help build their confidence and skills to reduce their risk of falls. Both “Stand Up to Falling” and “A Matter of Balance” programs encourage participants to evaluate their physical environments and make changes to reduce their risks of falls.

The mailed follow up evaluations revealed at least 80 percent of participants made significant and important changes in their physical environments to reduce their falling risks. Changes ranged from installing handrails on stairs, removing clutter, removing throw rugs that pose tripping hazards, installing improved lighting, and using a step stool instead of chair for reaching high places. In addition to physical changes, participants reported adjusting their thinking to improve their awareness of fall hazards and talking with their family members about their concerns. 

With 125 total adults participating in Stand Up To Falling and A Matter of Balance and making many recommended changes to their environment, Boone County potentially saved $2,250 to $2,625,000 in Medicaid claims. Additionally, the prevention of falls saves pain and suffering of not only the individual but their families and caregivers, too.