September is Fall Prevention Month. Here's how you can help.

You may or may not know that September is Fall Prevention Month. And, September 22nd of each year, the first day of autumn, is National Fall Prevention Awareness Day. 

No, we aren't talking about trying our very best to hold onto the last remaining days of summer--the long days, warm weather, and barbecues are nearly gone.

We aren't even talking about attempting to stop the overabundance of pumpkin spice in our lives. (We've long embraced pumpkins and pumpkin carving, but number 12 on this list really tells us things have gone too far.)

We are talking about raising awareness of the risk of falls for older adults, and what we can do to reduce that risk.

Facts about falling

Did you know that one in three older Americans falls every year? Or that the cost of falls to Medicare was over $31 billion last year? 

The CDC has identified many risk factors for falling, among them are:

• advanced age
• muscle weakness
• dim lighting
• lack of hand rails. 

Falling can mean a trip to the emergency room, serious injury, and loss of independence--all of which can be expensive and scary. 

The good news is, there are steps that you can take to reduce the risk of falling for you or your loved ones. The video below from NCOA shows six simple ways to prevent falls.

How H.O.M.E. helps seniors prevent falls

Over half of falls take place in the home, so making homes safer is a big first step in preventing falls. At H.O.M.E. our three Home Repair Specialists work tirelessly to ensure that our clients enjoy healthy and safe living conditions in their own homes.  

Last year, our Upkeep and Repair Program completed 773 repairs in the homes of 256 seniors. These repairs included grab bar and handrail installation, electrical work, plumbing repairs, and carpentry work. All of these services reduce the risk of falling for seniors living in their own homes.

This is one of several programs that we provide that help seniors maintain their independence and age in community.

You can help today

As we wrap up Fall Prevention Month and head into the Fall season, won't you support our programs that help seniors stay safe and healthy?

Consider making a donation in honor of an older adult in your life.

Or better yet, become a Partner in Independence to help low-income seniors all year long.

Being a monthly donor at any level makes a big impact. In fact for the cost of one pumpkin spice latte per month, you can pay for six grab bars! That means that six seniors will reduce their risk of falling in their home because of you.

Become a monthly donor by choosing the "monthly" frequency when you make your gift today.
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