Falls Prevention

Falls are the leading cause of brain injury in Massachusetts, according to statistics from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. In fact, approximately 20,000 people in Massachusetts suffer a permanent brain injury each year as a result of a fall.

Did you know…
- Falls are the leading cause of brain injury in the U.S.?
- One in three adults aged 65 and older in the U.S. will experience a fall this year?
- Fall rates are highest for children age 0 to 4 years and adults age 75 and older?
- Most falls are preventable?

Falls Among Infants and Children
Falls among children and adolescents account for more than three million emergency department visits each year in the United States; more than 40% occur among infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. For children younger than 5 years old, falls are the number one cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI), accounting for more than 50% of all brain injuries among this age group.

Tip Sheet: Preventing Falls Among Infants and Children

Falls Among Older Adults
Current research shows that brain injuries resulting from a fall have much more severe effects on older adults’ mobility and independence than hip fractures. Environmental hazards, untreated vision problems, use of certain medications, muscle weakness, and even fear of falling may increase the risk for falls among older adults. Recognizing and avoiding these risk factors will help to reduce the incidence of falls in this population.

Tip Sheet: Preventing Falls Among Older Adults

Our Reducing the Risk professional workshop gives healthcare providers the knowledge and skills they need to help reduce falls among high-risk individuals. The workshop includes a presentation of proven strategies and offers continuing education credits for social workers, nurses, nursing home administrators, licensed mental health counselors, occupational therapists, physical therapists and other healthcare professionals.

To request the Reducing the Risk Workshop at your facility, click here.

BIA-MA was recently awarded a generous grant through Fallon Community Health Plan to initiate outreach to older adults in the community.

For more information, please contact us at fallsprevention@biama.org, or call 508-475-0032