Waukesha County is observing a steady increase in its senior population, presenting distinct challenges, especially regarding falls among this group. As the aging population expands, a mix of factors heightens the risk of falls. Limited resources for safety changes, along with challenges such as more alcohol consumption, medication mistakes, and reduced physical activity, all contribute to seniors being more prone to falls.

As seniors spend more time in their homes, the obstacles to getting resources for safety changes become clear, making the risk even higher. This is worsened by the widespread stigma linked to falls, making many seniors hesitate to report incidents due to fears of consequences, particularly the potential loss of their independence. This intricate situation highlights the pressing need for comprehensive strategies to tackle the increasing trend of emergency department visits related to falls among seniors in Waukesha County.

Contributing Factors:

• Proper installation and use of appropriate safety equipment (e.g., handrailings and footwear)
• Ensuring appropriate medication and alcohol use
• Maintaining physical fitness
• Access to programs to enhance the safety of elderly persons 

Restricting Factors:

• Excessive alcohol consumption
• Over-reliance on numerous medications
• Medications that affect clarity and reasoning
• Insufficient physical activity
• Lack of resources to purchase safety modifications

Root Cause Factor: Access to programs to enhance the safety of elderly persons

When considering partnerships, the action team kept things as broad as possible. Not all potential partners are a vetted resource and partners for the CHIP process. However, it was still worthwhile to consider a wide range of options. Below is a list of potential partners that may have a link to healthy aging, falls, or the community. 

Potential Partner List:

1. Froedert & the Medical College of Wisconsin
2. Menomonee Falls Senior Center
3. Menomonee Falls Fire Department
4. Aging and Disability Resource Center
5. Eras Senior Network
6. Menomonee Falls Library
7. YMCA
8. Southeast Regional Trauma Advisory Council
9. Carroll University Physical Therapy Clinic
10. Waukesha County Calls Prevention Coalition
11. Medicare
12. UW-Madison Division of Extension, Waukesha County
13. Wisconsin Institute for Healthy Aging
14. Aurora Healthcare: Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Department
15. Grapevine
16. Brookfield Park and Recreation
17. Town of Eagle Recreation
18. Village of Hartland- Delafield Park and Recreation
19. Menomonee Falls Community Education and Recreation
20. Town of Mukwonago Park and Recreation
21. Muskego Park and Recreation
22. City of New Berlin Recreation
23. City of Oconomowoc Parks, Recreation, and Forestry
24. City of Waukesha Public Library
25. City of Waukesha Mayor's Office
26. City of Waukesha Metro Transit
27. Bridges Library System- Countywide Contacts
28. Association for the Rights of Citizens with Handicaps
29. Independence First
30. Bureau of Aging and Disability Resources
31. Greater WI Agency on Aging Resources (GWAAR)
32. Habitat for Humanity

What works is a brainstorming process where the action team identifies strategies to address falls among individuals aged 60 and above. The team explores options, considering discontinuation of existing activities and the implementation of new, multi-year, and integrated approaches, ensuring effectiveness backed by research or evidence where possible.

While the action team cannot undertake every identified strategy, community partners may find this list helpful as a collaborative resource to address fall prevention comprehensively for individuals aged 60 and above in our community. 

Evidence-Based Strategies:

• Educational Campaign: Launch an educational campaign to share community resources, increase awareness, and reduce falls.
• Physical Education Courses: Implement and expand evidence-based courses countywide, including Stepping On, Ballroom Basics, and Strong Body classes with additional instructors.
• Screening: Conduct annual fall screenings utilizing CDC STEADI guidelines.
• Public Awareness: Disseminate Public Service Announcements (PSA) to raise awareness.
• YMCA Fitness Programs: Expand Enhance Fitness programs at the YMCA.

Innovative and Creative Strategies:

• Media Collaboration: Collaborate with local TV stations to create informative stories about falls prevention.
• Age-Friendly Homes: Partner with builders to design age-friendly homes.
• Community Events: Organize initiatives like "Mugs for Rugs" or community events incentivizing the removal of throw rugs.
• Home Visits: Conduct home visits and safety assessments.
• Simulation Events: Host events featuring "Drunk Goggles" to simulate disorientation.
• Media Campaign: Launch a media campaign to promote annual fall screenings and Stepping On.
• Artificial Intelligence: Leverage Artificial Intelligence for enhanced impact.
• Community Promotion: Promote information at Farmer's Markets and collaborate with local governments for consistent messaging.
• Healthcare Referral Pathways: Expand referral pathways for healthcare providers.
• Home Aid Safety: Offer free/no-cost home aid safety features.
• Therapist Support: Provide support for care fit through ProHealth therapists.
• Community Health Paramedic: Include Community Health Paramedic services.
• Healthcare Entity Screening: Conduct screenings by healthcare entities.

Low-Cost/No-Cost Strategies:

• Collaboration with Coalition: Collaborate with the Waukesha County Falls Prevention Coalition to distribute resources, forge partnerships, and create sustainability.
• Community Classes: Conduct classes at libraries, VFW halls, Lions Rotary clubs.
• Healthcare Student Visits: Engage nursing, PT students, etc., to conduct home visits for blood pressure checks and falls safety assessments.
• Media Collaboration for Aging Image: Collaborate with the media to promote positive images of aging.
• Tracking and Assessment: Track EMS referrals to ADRC or other fall prevention resources, and conduct live or virtual homeowner safety assessments.
• Resource Repository: Create a centralized resource (data repository) for comprehensive fall prevention resources and create the WI Falls Free website.
• Provider Education: Encourage providers to use the Morse Fall Scale for risk identification and tailored education.

Data Development & Research Agenda:

• Environmental Scan: Conduct an environmental scan of evidence-based fall prevention programs such as Stepping On and Ballroom Basics.
• Gathering EMS Data: Collect EMS falls visits data from senior buildings and provide onsite education.
• Continuous Evaluation & Feedback Loops: Continuously evaluate falls prevention initiatives and establish regular feedback loops for program improvement.
• Community Surveys and Focus Groups: Foster ongoing community engagement through regular data collection to stay informed about changing needs.
• AI Impact Assessment: Assess the impact of artificial intelligence on falls prevention efforts.

End Result: ​​People 60+ in Waukesha County will be safe from falls

Selecting an effective strategy involves a meticulous evaluation based on four key criteria:

• Leverage, which assesses the potential impact on progress
• Feasibility, ensuring practicality and achievability
• Specificity, detailing budget and timeline considerations
• Values, ensuring alignment with the values of both the community and the organization

This comprehensive approach ensures that the chosen strategies have a meaningful impact, are feasible to implement, align with established values, and are supported by a clear budget and timeline.

Healthy Aging Team Selected Strategies: