Falls Prevention Month in the Poconos

September marks Falls Prevention Awareness Month, a time dedicated to focusing on safety and reducing fall risks, particularly among older adults.

Did you know falls are the leading cause of injury for adults 65 and older? According to the CDC, every year, over 14 million older adults, or one in four, report having a fall. In 2021, the CDC also recorded over 38,000 deaths from falls in adults over age 65, and emergency departments recorded over 3 million visits due to falls in this age group.

What is Falls Prevention Month? It’s a time to put safety first, whether for yourself or someone you care about. Griswold is committed to providing a fall prevention checklist and highlighting local resources in the Poconos to help you or a loved one stay safe this month. Read on for a guide to reducing risk and where to turn for support.

Why Falls Prevention Matters

Supporting fall prevention practices is essential for helping older adults stay in their homes and age with dignity. As people grow older, everyday tasks such as climbing stairs, stepping into or out of a shower, or rising from a chair can pose an increasing risk of falling. Research shows that taking the right preventive actions can significantly reduce the risk of falls.

Fall 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

A Griswold Caregiver Can Help

Accepting that you or a loved one needs help with formerly independent activities may be challenging. 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 exercise

Local Resources

There are numerous fall prevention programs and initiatives across Monroe, Pike, and Carbon Counties aimed at increasing awareness and reducing fall risks. In addition to the fall prevention checklist implemented by your Griswold Caregiver, consider these local resources:

Monroe County

• The Monroe County Area Agency on Aging offers various programs and services to support older adults in the community. Check out their list of senior centers for monthly activities that can improve one’s overall activity level.
• St. Luke’s Trauma Center provides a Fall Prevention Program to older adults in our community. A Matter of Balance is an 8-session course aimed at reducing the fear of falling. It is designed to increase activity levels in the older adult population.

Carbon County

The Carbon County Area Agency on Aging provides a list of senior centers within the community that offer programs and activities to support independence. Learn more about the senior centers in Carbon County.

The Lehigh Valley Health Center at Carbon offers fall prevention services, including physical therapy and rehabilitation programs. Visit Lehigh Valley Center Network at Carbon to learn more about the services offered.

Pike County

The Pike County Area Agency on Aging provides services and programs aimed at improving the quality of life for older adults in Pike County. Visit the Pike County Area on Aging to learn more about their senior centers and the group activities they offer to promote physical health.

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.
• The Pennsylvania Department of Aging also offers the Healthy Steps in Motion (HSIM) program, designed for adults 60 years of age and older. The program focuses on reducing the risk of falling by building body strength, increasing flexibility, and improving balance.

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.