Every year, more than 231,500 Wisconsin citizens over the age of 65 experience a fall, which is twice the national average, according to Bob Best, executive director of Oak Hill Terrace Retirement Community.

A variety of practices have proven effective in preventing falls among older adults.  But, only a small number of people take advantage of these programs, because they do not understand the extent of the problem or the potential solutions, Best says.

A public forum for health professionals and members of the community will be held in the Stackner Ballroom at Carroll University at 3 p.m. Friday.   The program will include two brief presentations highlighting the problem as well as local efforts to prevent falls.

These falls frequently result in significant injuries leading to emergency room visits, hospital admissions, disability and even premature death, he says.

Fall-related hospitalizations and emergency room care costs Wisconsin more than $350 million per year, 90% of which is paid by Medicare.  This does not include out-of-pocket and private insurance costs for physician services, nursing home stays, medications and assistive devices, such as wheelchairs, walkers and canes.

Moreover, the financial costs pale in comparison to the potential pain and suffering that older people experience and the potential loss of functional independence, self-esteem and quality of life, he says.

Mayor Larry Nelson will proclaim Friday as Falls Prevention Awareness Day.  Nelson will make the proclamation at the forum.