ANALYZING FALL INCIDENTS AND FALL-RELATED INJURIES IN WISCONSIN ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITIES - Abstract

Sep 29, 2026

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This study examines trends in fall incidence and fall-related injuries in Wisconsin assisted living communities from 2017 to 2022. It compares fall patterns across three facility types—Adult Family Homes, Community-Based Residential Facilities, and Residential Care Apartment Complexes—and proposes targeted interventions to reduce falls and improve resident safety. Using Wisconsin Coalition for Collaborative Excellence in Assisted Living data, the analysis evaluates incidence rates per 1,000 resident days, facility characteristics, and applies chi-square tests. Results show total falls increasing while fall-related injuries decrease, with differing trends by facility type. State- and facility-level standardization of reporting and prevention policies is recommended.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Study Objective and Scope

Facility Types and Comparison

Data Source and Measures

Incidence Rates and Stratification

Facility Characteristics and Statistical Testing

Findings and Interpretation

Trends in Falls vs. Injuries by Type

Recommended Interventions and Policy Implications

Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 947 Abstract citation ID: igaf122.3198 ANALYZING FALL INCIDENTS AND FALL-RELATED INJURIES IN WISCONSIN ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITIES Sohee Kim1, and James Ford2, 1. University of WisconsinMadison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States, 2. University of Wisconsin–Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States This study examines trends in fall incidence and fall-related injuries in Wisconsin assisted living communities (ALCs) from 2017 to 2022. It aims to identify differences in fall trends among three ALC types—Adult Family Homes (AFHs), CommunityBased Residential Facilities (CBRFs), and Residential Care Apartment Complexes (RCACs)—and to propose targeted interventions for reducing falls and enhancing resident safety. The study analyzes data from the Wisconsin Coalition for Collaborative Excellence in Assisted Living (WCCEAL), incorporating fall reports from ALCs across the state. The dataset includes quarterly records from 2017 to 2022, covering facilities that voluntarily tracked and shared fall and hospitalization data. Falls and fall-related injury data were evaluated using incidence rates per 1,000 resident days, stratified by facility type. Facility characteristics, including occupancy, primary resident population, and location, were analyzed to identify patterns in falls. The study used chi-square tests to compare sample and non-sample cohorts. Overall, the total number of falls in ALCs increased during the study period, whereas fall-related injuries decreased. CBRFs and RCACs showed substantial increases in fall incidence rates, while AFHs showed a declining trend. Findings emphasize the need for customized fall prevention interventions across different ALC types. AFHs may benefit from individualized interventions, CBRFs from staff training and structured fall protocols, and RCACs from self-management strategies like emergency response systems. Standardizing fall reporting practices and enhancing fall prevention policies at both the state and facility levels could improve resident safety and reduce fall-related injuries.

FAQs

What time period and setting does the study cover?

The study analyzes fall incidence and fall-related injuries in Wisconsin assisted living communities from 2017 to 2022. It uses statewide fall reporting from facilities tracking falls and hospitalization data.

Which facility types are compared, and why?

The study compares Adult Family Homes, Community-Based Residential Facilities, and Residential Care Apartment Complexes. The aim is to identify differences in fall trends across ALC types to support targeted prevention.

What overall trend did the study find for falls and injuries?

Overall, the total number of falls increased during the study period, while fall-related injuries decreased. The incidence rate patterns differed: CBRFs and RCACs increased, while AFHs declined.

Sep 29, 2026

Upload by ahduag