Did you know that one-third of Americans aged 65+ falls each year? According to the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every 15 seconds, an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall; every 29 minutes, an older adult dies following a fall. Falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of nonfatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults.
These statistics are staggering, but there are ways we can help prevent older adults from falling in their homes. For example, the CDC lists home modifications, like installing grab bars and handrails, as one of the top four recommendations for reducing the risk of falls.
September 22nd is Falls Prevention Awareness Day, and we are taking this opportunity to share information with the community about falls prevention and what we can do to help older adults live safely and independently in their homes. Through our Safe at Home Program, we make minor home safety and accessibility modifications, such as installing grab bars and handrails, for low-income homeowners who are older adults (+55) or individuals living with a disability. These modifications are provided at no cost for qualified homeowners and can prevent falls, enabling older adults and individuals living with a disability to continue to live safely in their homes for years to come.
If you or someone you know might benefit from our Safe at Home program or if you would like to volunteer for this program, please contact us at SafeAtHome@RebuildingTogether-TwinCities.org or 651-776-4273.