Older Adult Falls Prevention

Falls are a growing health problem for older adults in Island County and Washington State.  fall graphicOlder people are more likely to fall, and falling can lead to serious injuries. The good news is that, for many people, falls can be prevented by doing the right exercises, getting regular health checkups, and making home modifications.

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Island County Older Adult Falls Data Overview

  • Island County has an older population compared to Washington State.  26% of Island County residents are age 65 and older, in contrast to 16% of all Washington State residents. 
  • The leading cause of injury death for Island County residents age 65 and older is unintentional falls, accounting for nearly half of all injury deaths (48%) for those 65 and older.
  • Island County ranks 10th highest out of 39 counties for rate of fall-related deaths among adults ages 65 and older (between 2019-2023).  
  • 75% of fall-related deaths in Island County residents age 65 and older occurred from slipping, tripping, or stumbling on the SAME level, NOT from stairs or steps, ladders, or falls from beds, chairs, or other furniture.
  • In 2023, there were almost 2,000 responses to older adult falls made by Emergency Medical Services (EMS) agencies in Island County.  82% of these falls occurred in private residences.
  • Emergency department visits due to falls by people age 65+ increased by 43% from 2021 to 2024.  In 2024, there were over 1,900 emergency department visits made by Island County residents age 65 and older due to falls.

Falls Prevention graphic

Understanding Older Adult Falls

Some of the main reasons for falls are:

  • Lower body weakness
  • Difficulties with walking and balance
  • Use of certain medications such as tranquilizers, sedatives, or antidepressants
  • Vision problems
  • Foot pain or poor footwear
  • Home hazards such as throw rugs, pets, and lack of handrails

Preventing Older Adult Falls

Simple actions can help you prevent falling.  The following are steps you can take to maintain independence, stay healthy, and prevent falls:

  • Make an appointment with your doctor or health care provider.  Here is checklist of items to review with your doctor:  
    1. Bring this falls risk self-assessment to your doctor to review with them.
    2. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medicines and supplements.    
    3. Get your eyes and feet checked.
    4. Discuss if you have dizziness or other symptoms that may be related to blood pressure changes when going from lying down or sitting to standing.  This is called postural hypotension.  Learn more here.
    5. Get screened for osteoporosis and treated if needed.Tai Chi
  • Do strength and balance exercises.  See [link to page location for ‘Strength and Balance Exercise Classes] for local class listings.
  • Make your home safer.  Use one of the following checklists to identify and remove hazards at home that increase the risk of falls:
    1. Finding Our Balance Home Hazard Checklist
    2. CDC Check for Safety: Home Fall Prevention Checklist
    3. National Council on Aging Home Safety Checklist

Classes to help improve your balance and strength

Whidbey Classes

LocationClassCost
​The Center (Oak Harbor)
51 SE Jerome St, Oak Harbor
Phone: (360) 279-4580		EnhanceFitness Class​​

Mon, Wed, Fri 8:45AM-9:45am

All classes, $10 drop-in, $35/mo. membership discount available.

Call for other class info (yoga etc.)

Coupeville
United Methodist Church
608 N. Main St, Coupeville
Phone: (360) 544-0476		Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance
When: Tuesdays 10-11 AM		Free
Please contact our instructor, Liz Dickman to confirm.
South Whidbey
Soundview Center
432 3rd St, Langley, WA 98260
Phone: (360) 321-4434		SAIL Class
When: Mon, Wed, Fri 11 AM-12 PM
Mon 1 PM
*Contact to learn about other classes such as Tai Chi and Pilates		$5 per session, $40 per month
Email to admin@sagecarelangley.com 

Camano Classes

LocationClassCost
Camano Center
606 Arrowhead Rd, Camano Island
Phone: (360) 387-0222		Camano Fit and Steady
When: Multiple times Mon-Fri, call to sign up
*Call to learn about other classes such as Yoga and Weightlifting.		$30-$40 per month
Camano Country Club
1243 Beach Dr, Camano Island
www.camanocountyclub.com/thrive		Thrive Active Aging Fitness
When: Tues and Thurs 9:30-10:30 AM
SAIL Class (Staying Active and Independent for Life) Mon, Wed, 12pm

Members: Free, Non-members: $5 per class or $50 for 12-class pass

SAIL classes:  $30 for session of 8 classes, or $35 for non-members.

Online

Zoom (Through WhidbeyHealth)SAIL (Staying Active and Independent for Life)
When: Tues/Thurs from 12-1 PM or 1:15–2:15 PM		Free
Contact: (360) 720-1860 or visit https://whidbeyhealth.org/series/sail-stay-active-and-independent-for-life/ 


Older Adult Falls Prevention Grant 2025-2026


Island County Public Health is accepting applications for the Older Adult Falls Prevention Program Grant. This is open to any active nonprofit organization or government agency that conducts events, programs, or projects clearly connected to older adult falls prevention. The grant period is from December 2025 to June 2026. 

How to apply: 

  1. For details about the grant, including grant parameters, please click here: Falls Prevention Grant Information
  2. For questions, please contact Prevention Services Supervisor, Jen Krenz at J.Krenz@islandcountywa.gov. 
  3. Applications must be received by 4:30 PM on Friday, November 14th, 2025. 

APPLY HERE:  Falls Prevention Grant Information

Falls Coalition Purpose

Our coalition is committed to helping prevent older adults from falling, with a focus on maintaining quality of life and independence for older adults in our region through education and risk mitigation efforts, evidence-based Falls Prevention programming, and partnerships with healthcare providers and the community.  For more information, please see our Falls Coalition page.