Falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in New Jersey and in the United States.  TBI is a special health concern for older adults.  People age 75 years and older have the highest rates of TBI-related hospitalizations and death. They also recover more slowly and die more often from these injuries than do younger people.  TBI can cause a wide range of functional changes that affect thinking, sensation, language, or emotions.

Brain Injury Awareness Month 2008 is an opportunity to inform adult children and caregivers of older adults in New Jersey about ways to prevent, recognize, and respond to fall-related traumatic brain injury.  Throughout March, we aim to raise awareness about the seriousness of TBI among older adults and provide their caregivers with useful information and resources about TBI and fall prevention.  

Help Seniors Live Better, Longer: Prevent Brain Injury

This March, the Brain Injury Association of New Jersey is joining state and national organizations across the country to support the launch of Help Seniors Live Better, Longer: Prevent Brain Injury, a national initiative by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that encourages caregivers of older adults to take an active role in helping their loved ones stay healthy and independent.  This initiative will help caregivers reduce the risks for falling, recognize the symptoms of TBI when falls occur, and take the proper steps when symptoms of TBI are seen.

With the Help Seniors Live Better, Longer: Prevent Brain Injury initiative, we are informing caregivers of older adults how to help their loved ones prevent falls, therefore decreasing their risk for TBI.  We are also teaching them to recognize signs of TBI and what they can do if an older adult shows these signs.  Because signs of TBI often mimic signs of aging, many TBIs are never diagnosed. Caregivers who know about TBIs can help older adults in New Jersey live safe and independent lives.

For more information and to download resource materials on CDC’s Help Seniors Live Better, Longer: Prevent Brain Injury initiative, visit www.cdc.gov/BrainInjuryInSeniors.

Heads Up! Seniors

Heads Up! Seniors is the Association’s program for fall prevention and pedestrian safety for seniors.  These presentations will be available during March, as they are all year round.  Our Checklist for Seniors and other resources are also available online and through Information & Resources. 

Visit Heads Up! Seniors Page

Download Press Release for Awareness Month 2008