The Wisconsin Division of Public Health has declared the state's high rate of falls among individuals aged 65 and older an epidemic, according to WPR.
More than 37,000 state residents aged 65 and older went to the emergency room due to a fall in 2014, according to data acquired by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
That same year, Madison-based University of Wisconsin Health System's primary care clinics implemented a program created by the CDC called Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths and Injuries. The program helps healthcare providers assess an individual's risk of falling and provide resources to for preventative care.
The Wisconsin Institute for Health Aging, also in Madison, offers an evidence-based program entitled Stepping On, for individuals aged 60 or older who have experienced a fall or may be susceptible to falling. The seven-week program offers strength and balancing exercises, information about safe footwear, explains typical falling hazards around most homes and teaches participants about how vision and medication affect a person's falling risk, according to the article.
State legislatures are also using their resources to help stop the epidemic. Sen. Luther Olsen (R-Wis.) sponsored a $200,000 healthy aging grant to promote prevention programs. Sen. Olsen said in statement he plans to work with Gov. Scott Walker and the legislature to increase funding and make the grant permanent, according to the article.