Helping Montgomery County Seniors Avoid Slips and Falls

Falls are a major reason seniors lose their independence or end up back in the hospital. The good news? With the right steps and support, most falls can be prevented.

September is Falls Prevention Awareness Month, a time to focus on keeping older adults safe and independent at home. Every year, millions of adults aged 65 and older experience a fall (CDC). In fact, more than one in four older adults falls each year, yet fewer than half tell their doctor. Even more concerning, after just one fall, the risk of falling again doubles. This month is a great reminder to take proactive steps to protect the seniors we care about

Falls happen more often than people think. Knowing the risks is the first step to prevention. At Griswold Home Care for Montgomery County, we help local seniors stay safe and confident at home. Read on for facts, tips, and ways our team can make a difference for your family.

Facts About Senior Falls

It’s shocking how serious and common falls can be for older adults; these statistics highlight why fall prevention matters for seniors and their families.

• Each year, about 4.5 million emergency department visits result from falls among older adults, leading to 3.1 million treated and released and 1.4 million hospitalizations.
• 1 in 10 falls results in an injury that causes the older adult to restrict their activities for a day or more.
• Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries for older adults.
• Each year, nearly 319,000 older people are hospitalized for hip fractures.
• 37% of those who fall reported an injury that required medical treatment or restricted their activity for at least one day.
• 83% of hip fracture deaths and 88% of emergency department visits and hospitalizations for hip fractures were caused by falls.

Griswold & Able Care

We’re proud to partner with Able Care, a fall prevention platform that helps us keep our clients safe and independent. We offer a free strength and fall-risk assessment using GripAble®/Able Assess® technology. This helps us find mobility and balance issues before they cause a problem. The GripAble sensor is a handheld device that measures four key areas:

Grip Strength: Used to indicate an individual’s strength and resilience.
Chair Stand: This provides insight into lower-body strength.
Timed Up & Go: Measures balance and mobility.
Gait Speed: One’s walking pace is an important measure of independence.

This information helps us assess your health in under five minutes and provide proactive recommendations. With this technology, we can monitor your loved one and help families address concerns before a fall ever happens. Contact our Montgomery County office to schedule your free assessment or to learn more about how we can help!

Griswold Can Help

A Griswold Caregiver can help reduce the risk of falls at home in many ways. They can ensure hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms are well lit by adding night lights as needed. They can place non-slip mats in the bathroom and kitchen and remove tripping hazards such as loose rugs and clutter. Caregivers also keep frequently used items within easy reach to avoid needing a stool or ladder. They also encourage gentle exercises and stretching to improve balance and strength and are always available to help with any tasks that may feel unsafe.

Griswold Caregivers can assist with all of these tasks and provide the encouragement, companionship, and support seniors need to feel secure at home.

Contact Griswold

If you want peace of mind knowing your loved one is safe and supported at home, contact Griswold Home Care for Montgomery County today to learn more about our care services or schedule a complimentary fall risk assessment.

Whether you live in Ardmore, Willow Grove, King of Prussia, Lansdale, Souderton, Boyertown, or anywhere in Montgomery County, Griswold is here to help your loved ones live safely and independently at home.