La Crosse Fire Dept., ADRC collaborate to reduce falling in seniors
LA CROSSE, Wis. (WKBT) — The La Crosse Fire Department and the Aging and Disability Resource Center of La Crosse County are working together to help senior citizens who have sustained a fall.
The fire department regularly responds when older adults fall and need help getting back up. Falls can be have debilitating consequences for older adults. The new program would have first responders refer consenting patients to the ADRC for follow ups, to give patients information on fall prevention and resources.
“Both the LCFD and the ADRC are committed to reducing the risk of falling in older adults. We believe that this program is a step in the right direction to help keep our older adult communities vibrant and active,” said the fire department in a statement.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one out of five falls causes a serious injury such as broken bones or head injury. According to CDC data, 95% of hip fractures in older adults are caused by falling and falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury in this population as well.
Along with the injury risks related to falling, often times a fall creates a fear of falling that reduces a person’s desire to be active. This reduction in activity can make a person weaker and can actually increase their chance of falling again in the future.
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