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Senior Falls Prevention


Falls and the injuries that result from them contribute to a pressing health issue in our nation, our state, and our Island County community. Harborview Injury Prevention Research Institute (HIPRC) relates that:

  • Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults.

  • More than one in four adults ages 65+ fall each year.



Older Adult Falls: A Pressing Issue in Island County

  • Island County's median age is about 17% higher than the U.S. and WA State median.

  • Throughout 2021 and 2022, falls were the leading cause of emergency department visits at WhidbeyHealth.

    • From May 2021 to May 2022, there were 868 visits by Island County residents to the emergency department at WhidbeyHealth, coded as "Falls 65+" 

    • From May 2021 to May 2022, there were 739 visits by Island County residents to all other emergency departments across WA, coded as "Falls 65+"

  • Rates of 65+ falls are higher for Camano Island residents than Whidbey Island residents.


Steps to Prevent Falls

As Island County's older adult population continues to expand, it is important for community members to be aware of the steps that they can take to prevent falls. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) lists four simple ways to prevent falls: 
  • Have your healthcare provider review your medicines
  • Exercise to improve your balance and strength
  • Have your eyes and feet checked

  • Make your home safer

STEADI Initiative for Health Care Providers

The STEADI initiative, curated by the CDC, provides a set of materials for health care providers to draw upon when screening and assessing patients with high fall risks and intervening in the treatment of these individuals. The STEADI toolkit contains information about the following topics:
  • Falls
  • Screening options
  • Information on medications linked to falls
  • Standardized gait and balance assessment tests
  • Online trainings that offer continuing education

  • Educational resources for patients and caregivers


​Contact

Suzanne Turner, RN
Public Health Nurse
s.turner@islandcountywa.gov

Elizabeth Dickman
Public Health Coordinator
l.dickman@islandcountywa.gov

​Senior Fitness Classes​
​WhidbeyHealth
Zoom Sail Class
Where: Online
When: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12PM-1PM or 1:15PM – 2:15PM
Cost: $40 per month
Contact: 
(360) 914-3193

www.whidbeyhealth.org  

​Camano Center
SAIL Class
Where: 606 Arrowhead Rd, Camano Island, WA 98282
When: Mondays and Fridays at 9AM and 10AM, Wednesdays at 9AM
Cost: $5 per class for center members, $10 per class for non-members
Contact: 
www.camanocenter.org
(360) 387-0222
​Soundview Center
SAIL Class
Where: 432 3rd St, Langley, WA 98260
When: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 11AM-12PM
Cost: 
$5 per session or $45 per month
Contact: 

sue@lonelakept.com          (360) 331-4654

​The Center EnhanceFitness Class
Where: 51 SE Jerome St, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
When: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 8:45 AM-9:45AM and 10 AM-11AM (low-impact class)
Cost: $7 drop-in fee and $35 per month (The Center membership discount available)
Contact:
www.oakharbor.gov
(360) 279-4580