Falls Prevention Month in Bucks and Montgomery Counties

September is Falls Prevention Month, a time dedicated to prioritizing safety and preventing falls, especially among older adults.

Falls are the leading cause of injury in adults aged 65 years and older. According to the CDC, over 14 million, or 1 in 4 older adults, report falling every year.

While last month we honored National Wellness month and focused on our overall well-being, September is dedicated to Falls Prevention Month.

What is Falls Prevention Month? This month is dedicated to prioritizing your safety. Griswold is here to equip you or a loved one by providing a checklist to prevent falls and local resources right here in Bucks and Montgomery Counties. Read on for a guide on how and where to prioritize you or your loved one’s safety this month.

Why It Matters

Supporting practices around falls prevention is crucial for enabling older adults to live in their own homes and age in place.  Aging increases the risk of falling, notably during routine activities like climbing stairs, getting into and out of a shower or bath, or even standing up from a seated position. Research shows that taking the correct preventive steps significantly reduces falls.

Balance declines with age, increasing the risk of falls and injuries. Fall-related injuries have risen among individuals aged 65+, making prevention essential.

Falls Prevention Checklist

To minimize fall risk, ensure that you or a loved one implements this checklist:

• Clear hallways of clutter and trip hazards
• Ensure handrails are secure and stable
• Install stair lifts when necessary
• Keep walkers easily accessible in designated areas
• Secure or remove loose rugs and rugs with corners that curl

Local Resources

There are many fall prevention classes and programs in Bucks and Montgomery Counties designed to raise awareness and mitigate fall risk. In addition to your Griswold Caregiver implementing the fall prevention checklist, consider these local options:

Montgomery County

• The Montgomery County Office of Aging Services offers a variety of free, evidence-based programs, including the A Matter of Balance class series.
• Montgomery County Rehabilitation and Sports Therapy provides fall prevention training, including balance evaluations and treatment planning.

Bucks County

• The Bucks County Area Agency on Aging (BCAAA) offers Health & Wellness classes that support fall-prevention, such as Walk with Ease, Chair Yoga, and My Life, My Health, which improve strength, balance, and mobility.

Pennsylvania Statewide

• The Pennsylvania Department of Aging offers the Healthy Steps for Older Adults (HSOA) fall risk screening and prevention workshops for adults aged 60 and older. These programs raise awareness of falls, introduce prevention steps, improve overall health, and offer referrals and resources.

A Griswold Caregiver Can Help

Accepting that you or a loved one needs help with formerly independent activities may be hard. A Griswold Caregiver can help identify and implement strategies to reduce fall risk, significantly enhancing aging in place. Griswold can assist you with:

• Placing night lights in hallways, bathrooms, and other dark areas
• Adding non-slip mats in frequently used areas of the home
• Homemaking, companionship, and personal care
• Active range-of-motion exercises

Contact Us

If you or a loved one may benefit from focused fall prevention support and personalized in-home assistance, call Griswold Home Care today. We’ll discuss how our Fall Prevention & Recovery services can integrate with your needs and develop a personalized care plan that supports safety and independence in your home.

Stay safe. Stay independent. Contact us now.