Fall Prevention Resources
Prevent Falls While Staying Home
There are several great resources you can use to prevent falls while staying home to protect yourself and your loved ones from COVID-19. Here are some current resources:
Check back, these will be updated as we learn of new resources!
Falls Prevention Printed Materials
DOH has a wide range of printed materials on falls prevention that address home safety, medications, physical activity and other risk factors. Materials are available in English, Spanish, Russian, Ukrainian, Chinese and Vietnamese. See our publications page, and contact us if you would like printed copies mailed to you.
State Falls Prevention Coalition
The Department of Health leads the Washington State Falls Prevention Coalition, a group of community members, agency staff, healthcare professionals and individuals working in older adult falls prevention throughout the state. We are one of forty-two member State Coalitions with the National Council on Aging’s Falls Free Initiative. The Coalition meets twice a year to discuss updates in falls prevention data, learn about new programming and exchange ideas. All meetings are free and open to the public, however we do request pre-registration. For more information, or to register for a meeting, please contact us.
Upcoming Meetings
- March 2, 2021, held remotely
The Coalition also produces a monthly newsletter on fall prevention programming and trainings. If you would like to receive the newsletter and other Coalition updates, please sign up using GovDelivery and select “Prevention and Community Health – WA State Older Adult Falls Prevention Coalition.”
Falls Prevention Awareness Week 2020
September 21-25th, local groups across Washington State organize events to raise awareness for falls prevention. National Falls Prevention Awareness Week is a time to educate our communities that falls are not a normal part of aging, and that most falls are preventable.
Read Governor Inslee’s Proclamation for Falls Prevention Awareness Day 2020 in Washington (PDF)
Fall Prevention Programs
Evidence Based Fall Prevention Programs are proven to decrease risk of falls in older adults. For more information on all of the programs that have met the highest criteria of evidence for fall prevention please see the NCOA’s Fall Prevention Resource Center. Please check the sites for the programs listed below to see updated Washington training information. Trainings for Washington State can be found on the Living Well Website.
A Matter of Balance is an 8-week structured group intervention that emphasizes practical strategies to reduce fear of falling and increase activity levels.
There are four Matter of Balance sites in Washington: Olympia, Spokane, Seattle, and Wenatchee.
Virtual Matter of Balance classes will begin in Central Washington (Chelan, Douglas, Okanogan, Grant, Yakima and Kittitas counties) March, 2021. To learn more, please visit www.healthyagingforlife.com or email Erin Cass at sailwithmeec@gmail.com
EnhanceFitness is low-cost, evidence-based group falls prevention and physical activity program developed specifically for older adults.
EnhanceFitness was developed in Washington and is available in many areas of the state.
FallsTalk is an individual program for anyone who has experienced a fall or regular loss of balance; regardless of walking ability, medical condition, mobility or fitness level. FallScape consists of one or two training sessions with a set of brief (less than 1 min.) multimedia vignettes that are selected specifically to help an individual prevent falls in their own unique situation.
FallsTalk and FallScape are available in several counties in Western WA.
The Otago Exercise Program (OEP) is a series of 17 strength and balance exercises delivered by a Physical Therapist or a Physical Therapy Assistant in the home, outpatient or community setting that reduces falls between 35 and 40% for frail older adults.
Otago is available from PTs across Washington. DOH manages the Washington Otago Network for clinicians, agencies and organizations interested in offering and improving Otago in our state.
Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) is a strength, balance and fitness program for adults 65 and older. Performing exercises that improve strength, balance and fitness are the single most important activity that adults can do to stay active and reduce their chance of falling.
SAIL was developed in Washington with DOH support. Check out SAIL or SAIL history for more information.
SAIL Videos are available online. It is recommended you consult with your primary care provider prior to starting SAIL classes.
Many studies have shown Tai Chi to be one of the most effective exercises for preventing falls. Tai Chi for Arthritis helps people with arthritis to improve all muscular strength, flexibility, balance, stamina, and more.
Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention is available in many areas of the state, see the program website for instructor listings.
Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance™ is an evidence-based falls prevention program delivered in two one-hour sessions each week for 24 weeks.
Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance – Washington hosts all Washington training sites, instructors and classes.
Moving for Better Balance is a 12-week instructor-led group program designed to improve strength, mobility, flexibility, and balance for enhanced overall physical health and better functioning in daily activities.
Check with your local YMCA to see if it is offered in your area.
Other Programs and Resources
STEADI
The STEADI Tool Kit was developed by the CDC to help Primary Care Physicians identify patients who are at risk of falls and refer them for appropriate follow up. Recently the CDC has also released a STEADI training for Pharmacists.
Regional Coalitions and Programs
For more information, select one of the links below or Contact Us.
Online Data
- Falls related data and evidence based program locations are available online through the Washington Tracking Network.
- Maps of falls data by county can be found here:
Rate of Hospitalizations for Falls – Age 65+ by County, 2016-2018
Rate of Deaths from Falls – Age 65+ by County, 2014-2018
Population trends – Washington State map by county
Other Resources
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