Among the underappreciated risks of aging is the devastating result a seemingly harmless fall can cause. Since the year 2000, the Napa Fire Department has responded to 4,549 fall related medical calls. Falls are gaining more attention in Napa Valley and a local coalition has been tasked with preventing injuries.

Falls are the leading cause of injury deaths for people 65 and older, estimated that one in three fall each year. Falls are the most frequent reason for trauma admissions among the elderly, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.

Fortunately, many of the injuries suffered by older persons are preventable.

In April 2006, the Archstone Foundation awarded a grant to the Napa-Solano Area Agency on Aging to establish a fall prevention coalition. Made up of representatives from all three hospitals, health and social service providers from government, private and non-profit sectors, the coalition developed a three-year strategic plan.

A survey of community providers serving seniors revealed significant gaps in fall prevention policies, programs and services and illuminated interest and priorities to establish Napa’s first fall prevention program. Launched in 2007 through funding from Queen of the Valley Medical Center and County of Napa Tobacco Settlement Agreement Funds, the program will expand efforts — promoting strength and balance training, medication management and safe environments — to reduce factors that place seniors at risk.

 “Until the StopFalls Napa Valley Coalition started, I had no idea about the risk of falls for seniors,” said local senior advocate Joann Busenbark.

In a pilot Healthy Aging Cable Access TV program, Busenbark interviews coalition members Dr. Donald Hitchcock of Queen of the Valley Medical Center and Linda Schulz of St. Helena Hospital, who share tips and strategies for preventing injuries. The first episode airs Aug. 2, and will run Thursday afternoons at 3 p.m. and Saturday evenings at 5:30 p.m. throughout August on Channel 28.

Many seniors don’t take fall risks seriously until a fall results in hospitalization. Associated medical costs in Napa County amount to $49,074 for someone between age 60 to 64, and $60,735 for older adults 65 to 69 years old.

This does not begin to include cost of falls to a community such as 911 and emergency response. “A previous fall is a strong indicator the person will fall again and a county-wide approach to systems change will be needed to effectively address the problem,” said Terri Restelli-Deits, StopFalls Napa Valley manager.

Denise Bluell, LCSW, who was recently hired to coordinate the fall prevention program in Napa, has an extensive background working for health and behavioral health organizations, including hospital emergency room and home health settings for Queen of the Valley Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente. She will be working closely with agencies and seniors, with support from the coalition, to promote injury prevention policies and practices.

Prevention through collaboration

The coalition is collaborating with the Healthy Aging Population Initiative Committee and Fall Prevention Center of Excellence on a Walkable Communities Project in Napa and recruiting volunteers interested in planning and participating in a walkable community audit. “This is a great way for folks to become more aware of environmental risks that exist, get involved and join other community members working to improve walkability and senior mobility in Napa,” said Restelli-Deits.

Coalition members and the Latino Elder Coalition are partnering to host an Aug. 23 Bailando en el Parque event at Kennedy Park, where Latino seniors and their caregivers will receive education and information to help prevent falls, learn the benefits of physical activity and good nutrition while enjoying a healthy BBQ lunch, contact Eli Rubio at 254-1774 ext. 273 to register.

For more information about StopFalls Napa Valley, please contact Restelli-Deits at 644-6612, call the StopFalls office at 255-5328 or visit www.stopfallsnapavalley.org.

Established in 1986, Archstone Foundation is a private, non-profit foundation whose mission is to prepare society for the growing needs of an aging society. Under the leadership of president and CEO Joseph F. Prevratil, J.D., Archstone awards approximately $5 million in grants annually, primarily in Southern California. The Archstone Foundation's funding priorities include: fall prevention, elder abuse and neglect, end-of-life issues, and responding to emerging issues and unmet needs in the field of aging.

Established in 1980, the Area Agency on Aging is a private, non-profit organization committed to providing services that support seniors in their own homes and communities for as long as possible. With input from a network of community-based service providers, guidance from its advisory council and governance from its board of directors, the AAA assesses local needs, promotes cooperative relationships and provides or procures services to maintain the health, safety, dignity and independence of seniors in Solano and Napa Counties.

How to prevent falls

• Stay active and exercise often. This keeps your muscles and bones strong. Exercises that help your balance are also helpful. f exercise for you.

• Have your doctor go over all the medications you are taking. Some medicines can make you sleepy or dizzy.

• Keep your floor clear of clutter. Don’t leave things out, like throw rugs, that you could trip over .

 

• To help your balance, add hand rails to all stairs and your bathroom.

• Make sure it’s bright inside. A 60-year-old needs three times the amount of light as a 20 year old to do the same task.

For info, call StopFalls Napa Valley at 255-5328.