At Sentara Medicare, preventing falls is a priority because it saves lives. Your life is important to us, so in 2025 we’ll give you a Healthy Reward1 of $15 for taking our quick and easy online fall risk assessment.
Falling is dangerous
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says falling is the leading cause of injury-related death among adults ages 65 and over2. The CDC also says that in 2019, 83% percent of hip fracture deaths and 88% of emergency department visits and hospitalizations for hip fractures were caused by falls2. The good news is falls are avoidable, and we want to make sure you know all you can about keeping yourself on your feet.
There are many factors that contribute to falls, including chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis, the side effects of some medications, and more. By knowing which fall risk factors you have, you will know what to be aware of to help ensure you don’t fall.
Find out your fall risk score and earn $15 in Healthy Rewards
Determine your fall risk score, and learn how to prevent yourself from falling, by taking our assessment at the link below. It should only take about five minutes to complete.
Fall risk assessment
Five things you can do today to help avoid a fall
Here are some easy steps you can take today to help prevent a fall:
- Get, or stay, active. Regular exercise improves balance and strength. It also helps keep your joints, tendons, and ligaments flexible, which will help keep you from falling. Decide on an exercise program that is right for you and talk to your doctor about it.
- Make appointments to get your vision and hearing checked. Your plan will cover these important exams3. Vision and hearing both play a key role in your balance and the prevention of falls. Always wear your glasses or contacts when you need them. If you have diabetes, make sure to schedule an annual diabetic eye exam4. If you have a hearing aid, be sure to wear it as directed by your provider, and make sure it fits well.
- Stand up slowly. Getting up too quickly can cause your blood pressure to drop, which can make you feel unsteady. Consider using your over-the-counter (OTC) products allowance to purchase a cane, walker, or another assistive device. Learn how to use these devices correctly and always use them when walking. Be sure to use the handrail when going up and down stairs.
- Some medications can also make you feel dizzy. If you are taking medication that makes you feel sleepy or dizzy, let your doctor know right away so you can talk about your options. Always take your prescribed medications as directed.
- Get enough sleep. If you are sleepy, you are more likely to fall. Aim for 7–9 hours of rest every night. Talk to your doctor if you have trouble sleeping at night so they can help you.
Don’t forget to take the quick fall risk assessment at the link above.
Helpful links with more information:
CDC Facts About Falls
CDC Older Adult Fall Prevention
CDC STEADI What You Can Do to Prevent Falls
CDC Check for Safety – A Home Fall Prevention Checklist for Older Adults
CDC Postural Hypotension – What it is & How to Manage it
1Please allow 8–10 weeks to process your reward. Rewards cannot be used to buy tobacco or alcohol. Rewards cannot be converted to cash. You can only receive one reward per applicable service per plan year.
2Source: cdc.gov
3Review your Evidence of Coverage at sentaramedicare.com/documents for full coverage details.
4Healthy Rewards are available for these visits/screenings