Library

Fall Prevention

Click here for more information

Have you or a loved one slipped or fallen recently? Each year, more than 12,000 older adults in San Diego County arrive at the hospital after a fall. You are more likely to fall if you take four or more medications, have foot problems, get dizzy, have problems seeing, or have trouble walking and getting around. However, there are many things you can do to stay active, independent, and fall-free.

You can prevent a fall by:

1. Talk with your doctor about health issues, such as weak bones (osteoporosis), your medications, difficulty with hearing or vision, or if you feel faint, off-balance or dizzy. If you have dizzy spells, your doctor may recommend you see a specialist to help.
2. Stay active to improve your strength, flexibility, and balance. Walking, dancing, Tai Chi, and exercise classes are all good ways to improve your health. Depending on your medical or surgical history, your doctor may refer you to a Physical Therapist who can help you start an exercise program. Talk with your doctor about the best approach for you.
3. Your doctor or pharmacist can also look at your medications to check for side effects that can make you dizzy or affect your coordination. Don't forget to ask about over-the-counter medicines like Tylenol PM.
4. In your home, remove things you could trip or slip on, maintain good lighting and nightlights, and install strong grab bars and handrails.

For more information on local community resources and programs to prevent falls, please scroll down and click on the links to see our resources for seniors and service providers.

Resource Guide

Click on the following logo to view the Fall Prevention Resource Guide to community agencies that provide fall prevention services, such as exercise programs, home safety modification, home health services and more.
Fall Prevention Resource Guide

Toolkit for Providers - NEW

This toolkit was made especially for San Diego clinicians and service providers. It is the mission of the San Diego Fall prevention Task Force to reduce falls and their devastating consequences on residents of San Diego County. We believe this toolkit will give you the tools and information you need to join in our efforts. The sections in this toolkit include information for providers, a "Get Up and Go Test," information for older adults, and an exercise guide. Please click on the links below to access the different sections of the provider's toolkit.

• Introduction
• Information for Providers
  • Profile of California Falls
  • Medications and Falls in the Elderly
• The "Get Up and Go Test"
• Information for Older Adults
  • Catch Yourself: Simple Steps to Prevent Falls
  • Home Modification
  • Preventing Outdoor Falls
  • Exercise Guide

    Videos

• Click Here for "Don't Fall for It" (10 Minutes) - the short version provides a brief overview of the problem, common risk factors and simple steps anyone can take to lower their risk of falling.
  
  
• Click Here for "Don't Fall for It" (28 Minutes) - the long version describes the above information in more detail and highlights the personal stories of three elderly individuals.
  
  
• Click Here for Spanish version of "Don't Fall for It" (14 Minutes) - this version provides an overview of the problem, common risk factors and simple steps anyone can take to lower their risk of falling.
  
  
• Click Here for the "Fall Prevention for Clinicians" video. This video shows how you can incorporate fall prevention in your practce.
  
  

    San Diego Fall Prevention Information

• A Matter of Balance NEW
• Fall Prevention Task Force “Don’t Fall For It” Campaign - pdf
• Elderly Falls Report 2005 (Full Report) - pdf
  
• Are You at Risk of Falling? - pdf
  
• Emergency Phone Numbers - pdf
  
• Falls Prevention Checklist - pdf
  
• Vial of Life - pdf - Vials of Life consists of a magnetic plastic holder that contains a form with your specific health information. Please keep the Vial of Life on your refrigerator and in case of emergency, paramedics will be able to refer to the Vial of Life and save precious time. To request the Vial of Life magnetic plastic holder, please call 1-800-510-2020. Make sure to keep your help information updated and accurate. The form can by downloaded by clicking on this link, so that you may print out a new form at any time.
  

    Other Resources

• A Tool Kit to Prevent Senior Falls: Falls in Nursing Homes
  
• A Tool Kit to Prevent Senior Falls: The Costs of Fall Injuries Among Older Adults
  
• Check For Safety: A Home Fall Prevention Checklist for Older Adults - pdf
  
• Collection of Fall Prevention Checklists - pdf
  
• Falls Prevention: Your Safety Checklist and Guide - pdf
  
• How to Reduce Your Risk of Falling
  
• Morse Fall Scale - pdf
  
• California Fall Prevention Center of Excellence
  

National Institute on Aging Resources  

• Exercise & Physical Activity: Your Everyday Guide from the National Institute on Aging
• Exercise and Physical Activity Guide - PDF

Facts, General Information and Research

• Falls Among Older Adults: Summary of Research Findings
  
• Falls and Fractures
  
• Falls and Hip Fractures Among Older Adults
  
• Falls: General Information - pdf
  
• Guideline for the Prevention of Falls in Older Persons - pdf
  
• Guidelines for Fall Prevention in Acute, Sub-acute and Residential Care Settings - pdf
  
• Nursing Best Practice Guideline: Prevention of Fall and Injuries in the Older Adult - pdf
  
• Preventing Falls and Related Fractures - pdf
  
• Preventing Falls in the Elderly
  
• Prevention of Falls
  
• Tai Chi for Older People Reduces Falls, May Help Maintain Strength
  
• Tai Chi May Combat Seniors' Fear of Falling
  
• Why Do We Fall?

Although resources in this section have been selectively chosen, it is a work in progress and we recognize that not all available resources are included. Please contact us with comments, questions or suggestions for additional resources to help make this site as comprehensive and user-friendly as possible.