Get Involved to Prevent Falls

Happy, healthy and upright—that’s the unspoken goal of many older adults who know they are one fall away from the hospital. It’s also the goal of the Indiana Fall Prevention Coalition (INFPC), which is now seeking new members to help raise awareness of fall prevention and how seniors can stay safe in the home. 

Falls are leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries in older adults. In fact, 1 in 4 older Americans fall each year; most falls occur in and around the home. Falls in the home lead to more negative consequences than just injuries, such as the compounding losses of a job, of activities of daily living, or money due to medical expenses. Decreasing the risks and the fear of falling can help older adults to successfully age in place.

The INFPC is a multi-disciplinary, statewide network of professionals dedicated to increasing awareness and reducing falls. The primary functions of the INFPC include:

• Promote evidence-based fall prevention programs across Indiana
• Participate in community health expositions and senior fairs
• Offer training to our partners and member organizations on fall prevention
• Share opportunities and resources to members and the community through our website: www.infallprevention.org

INFPC Chair Michaela Graham, IU Health Methodist, describes the importance of the coalition:

“We are banding together to leverage our fall prevention efforts, elevate expertise to reach the whole state, and prevent falls to keep our state happy and healthy (and upright).”

Join Indiana Fall Prevention Coalition

If you work for an organization that promotes healthy aging in place, you might be a good fit for the INFPC.  Member benefits include: 

• Networking with other professionals in aging services and fall prevention at quarterly meetings
• Learning more about activities, trainings, funding and events related to aging in place
• Promoting your organization’s efforts to prevent falls

You can advocate for fall prevention awareness by joining the INFPC today. 

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