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elder1 120Tompkins County, in a collaborative effort of the Health Planning Council, Office for the Aging, the Department of Emergency Response, Finger Lakes Independence Center, Visiting Nurse Service, Lifelong, the Ithaca College Gerontology Institute, and the Department of Occupational Therapy participated in the Health Foundation for Western and Central New York's Step Up to Falls initiative. Tompkins County has seen a decrease in hospitalization due to falls from 221 to 208 per 1000 persons between 2008 and 2013.

Each year, nationwide, one in every three adults over the age of 65 falls and one in 10 falls end up in hospitalization.  According to the New York State Health Department, 140 older New Yorkers are hospitalized due to a fall each day, costing $1.7 billion on hospitalization charges each year.

Since 2007, the Health Foundation has invested nearly $3 million to prevent falls, one of the most critical and preventable triggers of decline.  Over the last eight years, coalitions and organizations in seven counties have worked to prevent falls by implementing a variety of programs, including exercise programs, home safety assessment and modification programs, community awareness and education programs.  Coalitions also made an effort to educate health care providers about falls risks, assessments and interventions.

"Falls can threaten older adults' safety and independence, but the good news is they can be prevented," Interim Foundation President Amber L. Slichta said.  "By taking a few simple steps, older adults can control their risks and remain healthy, active members of the community.  Falls prevention programs save lives and save money."
 
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