One-third of adults ages 65 years and older fall each year (Hornbrook 1994; Hausdorff, 2001). Between 2001 and 2005, there were 5,689 seniors (age 65+) in Kentucky who were hospitalized with a principal diagnosis indicating a fall (Kentucky State Plan on Aging 2009-2012). According to the Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center in Campbell County for seniors (age 65 +), the estimated emergency department visits to hospitals for unintentional falls from 2008-2012 was 30-40%. Each emergency room visit due to a fall costs on average $2,800 (Cincinnati Enquirer, 2014). Total hospital charges for fall-related inpatient hospitalizations involving Kentucky resident’s ages 65+ was on average $44,893 (Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center, 2014). Fall related injuries for seniors cost around $20 billion a year (HealthLeaders Media, 2006). In addition, the fear of falling is often a real concern for the aging adult. This fear may cause a reduction in activities, which then can lead to reduced mobility and physical fitness, and finally to an increase in their actual risk of falling. In order to address these issues, the Campbell County Cooperative Extension Service collaborated with the Campbell County Senior Center to offer an eight week series called Matter of Balance.

Fifteen participants who were 65 years and older completed the Matter of Balance series, which focused on reducing the fear of falling, increasing physical activity, and learning fall prevention strategies. Methods utilized from the Matter of Balance curriculum were the following: personal action plans, home hazard checklists, assessing fall risk-taking behaviors, exercise training, and practical problem solving through group discussion. An occupational therapist discussed vestibular/balance disorders and practical ways to lower fall risks. Plate It Up recipes were sampled at each of the eight classes. End of the 8 week program written evaluations showed that 100% of the participants said that their understanding about fall prevention increased, 93% had made changes in their home environment to reduce the risk of falling, 73% had become more physically active to reduce the risk of falling, 80% had made changes to their unsafe “fallty” habits to lower their falling risk,  and 36% had made or shared the Plate it Up recipes tried in class. Based on the average cost per person of an emergency room visit due to a fall ($2,800), the fifteen participants who completed the Matter of Balance program could potentially lead to an estimated savings of $42,000 in health care costs.  One participant stated, “We are in the process of adding bars in our bathroom and purchasing a shower stool.” Another stated, “The class gives you information on how we can be proactive rather than fear falling. It gives us more assurance that we can make positive changes in ourselves and our environment to make us more confident in our daily routines.”  6 month follow-up written evaluations showed that as a result of this program 100% of the participants stated that their understanding about fall prevention had increased, 93% said they had made additional changes to their home environment to reduce the risk of falling such as removing throw rugs and adding grab bars, and 73% had become more physically active to reduce the risk of falling by continuing to exercise. One participant stated, “I would recommend this class to everyone especially people who are older and want to keep their independence.  Everyone should be made more aware of this issue as it may affect us or a loved one personally.”