Falls Prevention Awareness Month Strives to Increase Awareness and Reduce Falls in Idaho

The Falls Prevention Coalition of Idaho (FPC-ID), a program under Idaho Commission on Aging (ICOA), is celebrating Falls Prevention Awareness Month in September. FPC-ID strives to bring awareness and education to Idaho’s communities regarding the incidence and impact of falls, including the physical, emotional, social, and financial costs. By raising awareness, falls risk reduction strategies can be created and implemented to reduce falls in public and private spaces. Individuals can gain knowledge and skills, allowing them to make choices that reduce their risk of falling.

”Most of us know what a fall is. What we don’t realize is the extent to which a fall can impact everyone from the individual to entire communities,” said Erin Olsen, founder of the FPC-ID. “Falls can happen to everyone, of every age, and result in costs not only financially but physically and socially that can last a lifetime. Fortunately, most falls are preventable, if we are aware of the risks and know strategies to prevent them,” she explained.

To address these issues, ICOA and the FPC-ID, its members and partners, are providing a variety of community outreach and educational events. Seven virtual seminars are being offered which are designed for families, caregivers, individuals, community partners, and healthcare professionals.

Several in-person events are also occurring statewide. The seminar schedule and a resource library can be found at www.aging.idaho.gov/falls. Erin Olsen is available for comment and interviews.

“ICOA has a strong history of providing resources to assist Idahoans to age successfully, “Erin Olsen continued, “ We’re proud to coordinate Falls Prevention Awareness Month for the 5th year. We look forward to providing the educational events and resources that will allow Idahoans to stay healthy, stay safe, and stay at home by remaining falls-free.”

The Falls Prevention Coalition of Idaho (FPC-ID) is a program under the Idaho Commission on Aging, dedicated to building a coalition of public and private organizations who share the vision of reducing falls for Idahoans. The coalition was founded in 2022 and currently has 86 members. It works on outreach, public and professional education, professional practice, trip hazard remediation, and research as they relate to falls and falls prevention.

The ICOA administers state and federally funded programs under the Older Americans Act OAA and the State Senior Services Act by contracting with six Area Agencies on Aging (AAA). The AAAs provide aOAA services as well as Idaho’s Ombudsman and Adult Protection programs. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is the national voice for every person’s right to age well. NCOA believes how we age should not be determined by gender, color, sexuality, income, or
zip code.

Working with thousands of national and local partners, NCOA provides resources, tools, best practices, and advocacy to ensure every person can age with health and financial security. Founded in 1950, NCOA is the oldest national organization focused on older adults. Learn more at ncoa.org and @NCOAging.

A virtual seminar, “Why Falls Matter and How to Prevent Them” will be held from 12:30-2:00 p.m. on September 3.  Registration is free, but required at www.aging.idaho.gov/falls.  This will be followed by seminars on related topic on Septmeber 10 (“Steps to Improve Balance and Prevent Falls”) and 13 (“Demonstrated & Described Yoga Improves Balance and Strength”).