Jacobi trauma staff briefs Bronx committee on fall prevention for older adults

At a Feb. 10 meeting of the Health and Social Services Committee, Gary, a trauma‑program specialist at Jacobi Medical Center, told members that falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults and outlined practical steps residents and caregivers can take to reduce risk.

"One of every four older persons will fall each year," Gary said during a roughly 45‑minute presentation to committee members and attendees, adding that about one in 10 falls results in a serious injury. He also said "88 percent of hospitalizations for hip fractures were due to a fall," and warned that blood thinners elevate the risk of dangerous head injuries after a fall.

The presentation laid out risk factors—age‑related loss of muscle and reflexes, vision and hearing decline, certain medications, alcohol use and chronic conditions—and…