October 15, 2012 ... Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, was recently awarded a National Council on Aging (NCOA) sponsored "Falls Prevention Certificate of Appreciation" by the Massachusetts Falls Prevention Coalition at the Annual Falls Prevention Awareness Day. Nominated and selected by the Massachusetts Falls Prevention Coalition leadership, the Senator was hailed for his work in health care and advocacy for elders, including the successful passage of legislation to establish a commission on falls prevention.

Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, is awarded a National Council on Aging (NCOA) sponsored "Falls Prevention Certificate of Appreciation" by the Massachusetts Falls Prevention Coalition (MFPC) for his efforts in the area of falls prevention. Presenting him the certificate are MFPC Tri-Chairs Helen Magliozzi, Massachusetts Senior Care Association's Director of Regulatory Affairs (left), and Colleen Pierro-Bayard, Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts' Director of Regulatory & Clinical Affairs (right).

"I am honored to have been nominated by the Falls Prevention Coalition for this unique distinction," stated Sen. Moore. "Preventing falls not only prevents serious injury, but it saves precious health care dollars and even lives. I want to recognize coalition members for their work to promote the safety and welfare of those at risk of falling through education and associated prevention efforts."

While considered a risk of the natural aging process, falls among older adults are startlingly commonplace, dangerous and costly. Each year, more than a third of adults ages 65 and older will fall, and 40 percent of those who do will end up in a nursing home.

The Senator noted that the number of accidents will likely rise as the population ages. In 2004, 1.8 million people over age 65 sought treatment in emergency departments for fall-related injuries, and nearly 15,000 seniors died from falls, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is estimated that the total costs of fall injuries will reach $43.8 billion by 2020.

In 2010, a bill introduced by Sen. Moore that would establish a commission on falls prevention was included in a health care cost containment bill, now Chapter 288 of the Acts of 2010.

The Massachusetts Falls Prevention Coalition was founded in 2006 to raise awareness among senior care providers and the public of the harmful impact of falls and the availability of successful prevention strategies. For example, some simple lifestyle changes-such as knowing whether medications will induce dizziness, getting rid of throw rugs and engaging in regular exercise-can drastically reduce the risk of falls.

More than 75 organizations in the state have joined the Coalition and participated in its work to promote legislation, disseminate research findings, conduct educational programs, and work on quality improvement initiatives. Member organizations include health care institutions, government agencies, advocates, researchers, community-based senior care agencies, and others.

As a "Falls Prevention Certificate of Appreciation" recipient, Moore will be listed on the NCOA Falls Prevention Hall of Fame webpage with other falls prevention champions from across the country.

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