Every time you take a breath an older American has fallen.
Of these, more than half--or 9 million--require medical treatment or restricted activity.
Falls kill 39,000 every year.
Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among older adults.
A fall almost always heralds the end of independence for an older adult, leading to changes in lifestyle for them and their families.
Falling once doubles the chances of falling again.
Fall-related injuries cost Medicare more than 53 billion dollars every year, almost 10% of its entire budget.
The cost in pain and misery is impossible to overstate.
Falls are the type of call first-responders get the most, and create an enormous financial burden on cities and counties.
BUT...
If we reduce falls by ONE PERCENT (1%), we prevent 140,000 people from falling every year and save 90,000 from being injured, every year.
This would save at least $530 million from the federal budget.
EVERY YEAR.
And avoid all that pain and suffering for older adults and their families.
MORE THAN HALF--and often, ALL-- of the people who attend a Saving Claire event take a next step to avoid falling.
The Saving Claire Project is a comprehensive fall prevention education program.
The Project uses storytelling to engage and empower.
The documentary at the center of the project tells the story of Linda Goldman, who becomes a playwright at 70 and writes a play called Denying Gravity, about a woman named Claire.
The documentary follows Linda, and her creation Claire, as the film explores the complex nature of aging, how people resist change, and the patterns that increase the risk of falling.
It shows Claire's attitudes and actions, the events that follow her fall, and how audiences relate to her.
Our innovative screening events featuring this ground-breaking documentary engage & empower audiences while providing paths to action that allow them to improve & enhance their lives and reduce risk.
Our Elements Of Success
Saving Claire feature-length documentary film; one-hour and half-hour options.
Live Participatory Screening Events—Virtual, In-Person, or a Hybrid of the two.
Subject Matter Experts—ER doctors, pharmacists, physical & occupational therapists, technology & home modification specialists, psychologists & social workers, movement & fitness professionals and insurance & financial advisors.
Paths to Action—concrete & immediate next steps for the audience to take, including getting a Falls Risk Assessment via Telehealth.
Resources—including movement, technology and community.
Why it works
Saving Claire starts with the relatable story of Linda Goldman—who started writing plays in her late sixties; of her character Claire; and of the chaos after a fall.
Audiences Connect with Linda and Claire, and the other compelling stories & experiences in the film.
They drop their barriers to new information & new behaviors.
They ask questions—about their own choices and options to improve their health & enhance their lives; they discuss their own stories.
The audience becomes inspired & empowered.
They take Paths to Action—which are immediately available: see the film on Monday, schedule a Telehealth falls risk assessment on Wednesday.
Now they’re covered—and working with trained and licensed professionals, who provide service and connect them with other professionals.
And they’re connected with Resources—including movement classes; telehealth; pharmacists to check meds; insurance, financial & legal advice; and community support.
How It Works
A Saving Claire Screening Event is organized—virtual, in-person, or a hybrid of the two—by Partners to meet Audience needs & opportunities.
A panel of Subject Matter Experts is chosen.
The Screening Event is held. The audience watches the film. After the film, they Q&A with our panel of experts.
Concrete Paths To Action are presented to audience members at the conclusion of the discussion. From fall risk assessments to easy home modifications, a resource or advisor is available: in-person, by telephone or online.
Follow-Up--Saving Claire will follow up with all participants: to determine actions taken, encourage continuing action, and to stay connected.