Our South Shore communities have a higher than average aging population. Milwaukee County’s median age is 34.0 years, while South Shore resident median ages are at 40.6 years for Cudahy, 37.0 years for Oak Creek, 45.0 years for St. Francis, and 40.5 years for South Milwaukee. 
Threats to an individual’s safety can take many forms. The 2017 injury-related emergency department (ED) visit rate for Milwaukee County was 9,808.3 per 100,000. For Milwaukee County adults aged 80-84 years, the rate of injury related hospitalizations due to falls was 6,104.7 per 100,000 population. Additionally, of adults aged 65 years or older, one-third of them experience a fall each year.
To address this in 2019:
85% of our ED patients aged 65 years and older were identified for screening with the Identification of Seniors at Risk (ISAR) tool, 100% of those identified were screened and 100% of those screened who were identified as at-risk were referred to social services for additional support.
1 Stepping On falls prevention program was conducted with 5 participants. The Stepping On program offers older people information, strategies, and exercises to reduce falls and increase self-confidence.
Through specialized care and community outreach efforts, our hospital aims to ensure that older adults in our community receive support that promotes safety, function, autonomy, and dignity.