South Heartland District Health Department

We can’t stop fall from coming…but we can help prevent falls in older adults!

September 05, 2025

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Fall is just around the corner, but falls shouldn’t be just around the corner for older adults. Because September is the month when summer officially turns to fall, South Heartland is joining the National Council on Aging to raise awareness on preventing falls, reducing the risk of falls, and helping older adults live without fear of falling.

Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injury for people 65 years of age and older. Even falls without injury can cause fear of falling which can lead to physical decline, depression, and social isolation.

Falls threaten the safety and independence of older South Heartland residents and have significant personal and economic costs. However, falls can be prevented and do not need to be expected as a natural part of aging.

In our health district of Adams, Clay, Nuckolls and Webster counties, 30% (about 1 in 3) residents age 45 and older reported falling in the past year (2014). Of those surveyed in 2020, 20% (1 in 5) reported falling in the past year (data source: BRFSS).

The rate of injuries due to falls also improved. In 2020, 5.5% (1 in 18) of adults 45 and older reported they were injured due to a fall in the past year, compared to 11.5% (1 in 9) in 2014.

Although our rates of falls and falls with injuries have improved, we still have room for more improvement. Our local hospitals in the South Heartland District are continuing to see emergency department (ED) visits for falls, especially for patients 65+ years: 500 ED visits for falls in 2022, 462 visits for falls in 2023, and 468 visits for falls in 2024.

We can make a difference! One way to do this is to teach older adults, their families and their caregivers what they can do to reduce the risk of falls and also to provide tools for keeping older adults safe, healthy and independent.Research shows that making some behavior changes can significantly reduce falls among older adults. For example, experts recommend:

     • Participating in a physical activity routine with balance, strength training, and flexibility components.

     • Consulting with a health professional or the health department about getting a falls risk assessment.

     • Reviewing medications with a health professional periodically.

     • Getting eyes and ears checked annually.

     • Making sure your home environment is safe and supportive.

In the South Heartland health district, we coordinate with community partners (YMCA-Hastings, Clay County Health Department, Good Samaritan Village) and area professionals to offer three programs that reduce the risk of falls: Tai Chi: Moving for Better Balance, Stepping On, and  Bingocize. These programs help older adults gain strength, improve balance, and build confidence to help them live healthier lives and preserve their independence. The programs are evidence-based, meaning they have been proven to be successful in reducing falls in older adults by about 30%. Fewer falls mean fewer injuries, fewer visits to the emergency room, fewer hospitalizations, and fewer deaths due to a fall.

Do you know how likely you are to fall now or in the future? One way to know your risk of falling is to get a falls risk check up with your health care provider or at the health department. You can also go online and take the National Council on Aging’s Falls Free CheckUp (https://www.ncoa.org/tools/falls-free-checkup/).

With their online check-up survey, you will answer 13 questions to get your falls risk score - along with helpful resources to prevent falls. If your falls risk score is high, then you should consider registering for a falls prevention program. Falls prevention programs can benefit anyone who wants to stay healthy and independent as they age!

South Heartland communities have prioritized senior health as one focus of the new 6-year Community Health Improvement Plan. Whether you are a caregiver, a healthcare provider, a family member, or simply someone who cares, you can invest in senior health by encouraging regular check ups and screenings, promoting physical activity with each individual’s ability in mind, supporting balanced nutrition, encouraging social connections and mental stimulation, and letting us know if you are interested in helping our communities improve health supports for seniors.

Contact the health department to learn more about initiatives to improve senior health, about falls prevention and what you can do to prevent falls, or to sign up for the next available Tai Chi, Stepping On, or Bingocize classes near you. Contact SHDHD at 402-462-6211. 

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Michele Bever, PhD, MPH, is the executive director for South Heartland District Health Department, serving Adams, Clay, Nuckolls and Webster Counties in Nebraska. She may be reached at 402-462-6211.