Fall Prevention Statistics

Fall Prevention Statistics

Falling incidents are a major issue in homes and hospitals nationwide. In U.S. hospitals, falls affect 700,000 to 1 million patients annually and can have severe consequences. Around 30% to 50% of these falls result in injury, with up to 44% of those injuries putting patients at risk of death from fractures, subdural hematomas, excessive bleeding, and other medical emergencies.

Medical Costs Associated with Adult Falls

Falls are also as expensive as they are life-threatening. The CDC estimates that between 2012 and 2030, the lifetime medical costs of fall-related injuries will rise significantly, jumping from $35 billion to more than $101 billion.

• Falls ranked fifth among 100 public health conditions in healthcare spending, with $87.4 billion spent in 2016. Over half of this cost, which is 56.5% was attributed to older adults.
• For older adults who fall, hospital care is common. The average cost per inpatient visit for fall-related injuries is $18,658, while emergency department visits average $1,112.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates the total medical costs of fatal and nonfatal falls at $50 billion, with Medicare covering the largest share—$28.9 billion—followed by Medicaid at $8.7 billion and private insurers at $12 billion. Fatal falls accounted for an additional $754 million in medical expenses.

Medicare plays a vital role in managing these expenses by covering the bulk of medical costs for American older adults. This expresses the importance of older adult fall prevention strategies to reduce both injuries and the financial burden they create.  

Older Adult Falls Yearly

Fall rates are increasing year over year, especially for the share of the population ages 65 and older. The fall rate for those who are aged 65-plus reached 70.8% in 2022, a 144% increase from 1999 when the fall rate was only 29%. As of 2024, 10,913 unintentional falls among older adults have been reported in the U.S.

• Fatalities for older adults are also increasing, with 40,919 deaths in 2022, compared to 10,097 in 1999.
• Overall, fall rates and deaths for older adults have been increasing consistently for the past 20-plus years.
• This is also true for adults under 65 years old, whose fall rates increased from 1.25% to 2.1% during the same period.
• Annual fatalities for this demographic also increased from 3,061 to 5,709.

Falling Deaths Annually

The increase in fatal deaths can be attributed to several causes, including an increase in people’s average life span and a rise in the overall population.

• In 2022, there were 46,653 falling deaths nationwide. Fall deaths have been steadily on the rise since 2000, especially among adults ages 65 and older.
• In the past 10 years alone, falling deaths among older adults increased by 60%.
• Deaths for those under the age of 65 also increased by 23%.

Are Falls More Dangerous for Men or Women?

According to CDC.gov, in 2020, 28.9% of women and 26.1% of men reported at least one fall. Although women experienced more falls and nonfatal injuries, men faced a higher fatality rate from these incidents. In 2021, the death rate due to unintentional falls was 91.4 per 100,000 for men and 68.3 per 100,000 for women, partly due to riskier behaviors and occupational hazards.

Other falls risk factors for preventable falls include:

• Hazardous working conditions: Working at elevated heights or in dangerous environments significantly increases the risk of falls. This is part of the reason why men, who are more likely to work these jobs, have higher fatality rates.
• Alcohol or substance use: The use of alcohol, marijuana, and other substances can impair judgment, coordination, and balance, becoming one of the leading causes of injury.
• Fear of Falling: The fear of falling affects 20% to 85% of older people, with 20% to 55% limiting their daily activities as a result. Even among those living independently, 30% to 50% experience this fear, whether they have fallen or not. This persistent worry often prevents individuals from engaging in activities and impacts their quality of life.
• Socioeconomic factors: Poverty, overcrowded housing, sole parenthood, and young maternal age are all socioeconomic conditions that can contribute to a higher risk of falls. Globally, low- and middle-income countries account for over 80% of fall fatalities. 
• Underlying medical conditions: Conditions like neurological disorders, cardiac issues, or other disabilities can increase falling risk.
• Medication side effects: Certain medications can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or loss of balance, particularly among older adults.
• Poor mobility, cognition, and vision: From older adults with cognitive decline to young children struggling to balance, these factors can increase the risk of falling. Older adults are especially vulnerable. Muscle weakness, poor balance, and gait issues are major contributors to fall risk among older adults. Between 2019 and 2021, 57% of adults aged 70 and older experienced at least one fall, with many facing repeated falls due to these physical challenges.
• Unsafe environments: The chance of falling increases considerably when environments aren’t adapted to the needs of those with poor balance and limited vision. Environmental hazards like poor lighting, slippery floors, throw rugs, and clutter are some of the leading causes of falls. Research shows that these factors are responsible for 30% to 50% of falls among older adults. Addressing these hazards can play a crucial role in injury prevention.

How Can Falls Be Prevented?

Falls can be incredibly dangerous, with 30% to 50% resulting in some serious injury and 1% to 3% causing a hip fracture. However, some falls are entirely preventable.

By identifying risks, taking preventative measures, and providing effective interventions, 20% to 30% of inpatient falls in hospital settings can be averted.

Some of the best ways to stop preventable falls include the following:

• Stay active and improve balance with exercise.
• Fall-proof your home by removing hazards and installing grab bars.
• Limit alcohol consumption or other substance use. 
• Get regular checkups for your vision, hearing, and medications.
• Use assistive devices like canes or walkers if needed.
• Use community services for prescription and grocery delivery.
• Wear nonskid, rubber-soled, or low-heeled shoes.
• Be extra cautious on slippery surfaces.

Role of Community-based Fall Prevention Initiatives

Community-based fall prevention programs play a crucial role in reducing fall risks by providing practical strategies, exercises, and education to help individuals stay safe and independent.

Here are four effective programs designed to meet different needs:

• A Matter of Balance (MOB): This program is tailored for adults at moderate to high risk of falling. It focuses on practical coping strategies to reduce the fear of falling while teaching preventive measures. A study evaluating the program found that 562 participants experienced significant improvements after completing it.
• Stepping On: Designed for adults with moderate to high fall risks, this program emphasizes exercises and strategies to reduce falls and build confidence in daily decision-making. It helps participants develop behavioral changes for high-risk situations.
• Tai Chi: Ideal for adults at lower risk of falling, Tai Chi works on mobility, balance, strength, flexibility, and mental health. Participants should be able to stand on one leg for at least five seconds without fear of falling before starting the program.
• Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL): Targeted at adults with lower fall risks, SAIL is a physical activity program aimed at improving strength and balance. Each session includes a toolkit of exercises that can be performed seated or standing. Educational components are also integrated into the classes.

How Nursing Homes Can Reduce Fall Rates

Nursing homes can significantly lower fall rates by implementing targeted strategies that address both individual and environmental factors.

Here are some measures that not only improve safety by addressing different risk factors but also improve residents’ quality of life.

• Personalized Care Plans: Nursing homes can regularly assess individual risk factors like vision issues or the need for assistive devices. Their care plans should be updated to address these risks and maintain resident safety.
• Staff Training: Staff in nursing homes should be equipped with the skills to recognize and mitigate fall risks. Ongoing training can work toward quick identification of hazards and effective interventions.
• Environment Enhancements: Nursing homes can install grab bars, improve lighting, and remove tripping hazards. Regularly checking flooring and furniture can also maintain safe and accessible spaces.
• Medication Reviews: Getting medication reviews by healthcare providers can minimize fall risks caused by side effects or interactions. Nursing staff can then adjust dosages and substitute medications as needed for safer alternatives.

What Wearable Technology Can Help?

In a world driven by new technologies, many devices can help prevent falls. Examples of wearable fall-detection devices include watches, pendants, and clips. A study from the National Library of Medicine reported that these devices have an average sensitivity of 93.1% or higher and a specificity of 86.4% or higher for detecting falls.

Types of Wearables in Fall Prevention:

• Accelerometers and Gyroscopes: These devices track movement and orientation to detect changes in gait, balance, and posture.
• Chest-Worn Devices: In order to monitor upper body movements, these devices capture signs of instability like sudden tilts or shifts in posture.
• Smart Insoles and Shoes: These devices analyze pressure distribution and foot dynamics to identify balance problems.

These technologies have a variety of pros and cons.

Pros

• Sensor technology: Today’s wearable sensors can detect a shift in acceleration, body position, and impact more accurately than non-wearable sensors. This reduces the chances of false alarms and allows falls to be caught more often. 
• Immediate alerts: These devices can send alerts for immediate help after detecting a fall, which can be crucial in emergencies.
• Variety of devices: From watches to pendants, there is a comfortable piece of wearable technology out there for almost every preference and lifestyle.
• Ease for caregivers: These devices make caregiving easier by providing real-time monitoring and instant alerts so that caregivers can respond quickly during emergencies.

Cons

• False alarms: Even with advanced sensors, detection technology may generate false alarms and cause unnecessary worry or disruptions.
• Proper placement required: Wearable sensors need to be placed on your body correctly for proper functionality. Incorrect placement can lead to missed detections or false alerts.

FAQs

How can falls be prevented?

Falls can be prevented by identifying risks and providing effective interventions. Some of these interventions include exercising, removing hazards, limiting substance use, using assistive devices and services, and wearing footwear that effectively grips the floor.

What are the 5 P’s of fall prevention?

The 5 P’s of fall prevention are a nursing intervention that allows health care professionals to identify high-risk patients and communicate observations effectively. The 5 P’s include Pain, Position, Proximity, Pathway, and Potty.

• Pain: Assessing and managing pain allows healthcare professionals to prevent falls caused by discomfort or impaired mobility.
• Position: Given that many falls are caused by a lack of balance, ensuring patients are in safe and comfortable positions can help minimize the risk of falling. 
• Proximity: Keeping the patient’s belongings and other essential items within easy reach helps prevent them from reaching or moving unsafely.
• Pathway: Keeping rooms clutter-free helps ensure a patient’s pathway is clear of obstacles and hazards that could cause a fall.
• Potty: Regularly check if patients require bathroom assistance to avoid falls associated with urgent or unassisted trips to the bathroom.

What is the biggest risk factor for falls?

Age-related muscle weakness (sarcopenia) and other medical issues like low blood pressure when standing up (postural hypotension) are the biggest risk factors for falling. In both instances, older adults are at a much higher risk than younger individuals.5

However, there are ultimately several risk factors that can contribute to falls. Anything from medication to poor eyesight can play a role.

What population is most at risk for falls?

Older adults ages 65-plus are at the highest risk for falls. With 40,919 falling fatalities in 2022, adults ages 65 and older accounted for nearly 88% of all falling fatalities. In the same year, older adults experienced a fall rate of 70.8%, compared to only 2.1% for those under 65 years old.

Are falls 100% preventable?

No, not all falls are 100% preventable. While up to 30% of falls are preventable, the majority have a multitude of causes related to age, sex, medical history, and environment.

Bottom Line

Falls are a serious health concern, particularly for older adults. In 2022, 46,653 fall-related deaths occurred in the U.S., with 88% involving individuals aged 65 and older. Over the last decade, fatalities in this group have increased by 60%, and fall rates reached 70.8% in 2022, a dramatic 144% increase since 1999.

The financial impact is equally alarming, with lifetime medical costs projected to exceed $101 billion by 2030, according to the CDC. Medicare currently shoulders the largest share of these expenses, highlighting the importance of effective prevention strategies.

Different risk factors contribute significantly to falls. However, targeted interventions can reduce fall risks and improve safety for older adults. With fall rates and associated costs rising annually, prevention efforts are more critical than ever.

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