Big Sky Times

The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) is promoting National Falls Prevention Week, which takes place from September 23-27, 2024. This week serves as an opportunity for Montanans to consider factors that increase their risk of falling and actions they can take to mitigate those risks.

DPHHS officials report that nearly one in three Montanans aged 65 and older have reported falling at least once in the past year. "Falling is not a normal part of aging, but knowing a person’s risk factors can reduce the chance of an unintentional fall," said DPHHS Falls Prevention Program Manager Melissa Dale. "As a person ages, they are at an increased risk for falling and sustaining an injury."

Dale noted that almost half (48%) of falls among Montanans aged 55 and over result from slips, trips, or stumbles from ground level. In 2023, there were over 19,000 emergency department visits in Montana due to unintentional falls. Fortunately, proactive steps can be taken to prevent many falls.

Dale stated that more than half of all falls occur at home but can be reduced by making safety modifications and practical lifestyle changes. "Older adults need to be aware of what activities may put them at risk," she said.

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) has partnered with DPHHS to raise awareness among older Montanans about their risk of falling. The NCOA offers a no-cost falls risk assessment tool called the Falls Free CheckUp. This easy-to-use questionnaire assesses an individual’s risk of falling through 13 questions. The results provide insight into how many risk factors an individual has; the more factors present, the higher the chance of falling.

"Those who have multiple risk factors for falling, who have fallen, or have a fear of falling are welcome to attend a falls prevention workshop," Dale said.

DPHHS collaborates with local communities across Montana to offer workshops like Stepping On, Stay Active & Independent for Life (SAIL), and Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention. These programs focus on practical steps to reduce fall risks through lifestyle management and physical activity.

For more information about these workshops, visit the Montana Falls Prevention Program website or call 1-844-684-5848.