Did you know that falls are the leading cause of injury-related emergency department visits for older adults, a major cause of hip fractures, and the reason for more than half of fatal head injuries? Falls threaten seniors’ safety and independence and generate enormous economic and personal costs.
Today is Falls Prevention Awareness Day, a nationwide effort to raise awareness on how to prevent falls and reduce fall risks. This week is also Falls Prevention Awareness Week, observed from September 18 to September 22, 2023.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Council on Aging (NCOA) have an abundance of resources and information available on their websites to help increase awareness around falls and injury prevention. They provide tips on how to prevent falls, a falls screening tool, and even suggestions for easy home modifications that anyone can do to fall-proof their home!
With funding from the Administration for Community Living (ACL), the City of Los Angeles Department of Aging, and the Los Angeles County Aging & Disabilities Department, Partners’ Community Wellness (CW) team addresses falls related challenges by providing evidence-based programs that promote health and wellness, and improve balance, coordination, and range of motion. They are leading several counties in building falls prevention programs, including Humboldt, Kern, Orange, San Diego, San Francisco, San Joaquin, Tulare, and Ventura.
Workshops that focus on preventing falls and reducing the fear of falling for older adults include Matter of Balance, Bingocize, EnhanceFitness, and Tai Chi Workshops, and they are available both in person and online. Last year alone, they served nearly 3,000 older adults.
More Information on CW Workshops Here.
If you are interested in referring someone you know to a Community Wellness workshop, contact the team at ebregistrations@picf.org or call (818) 403-5452.
Falls prevention is a team effort and everyone has a role to play in reducing falls risk. We are proud of our continuous contributions to ensuring the safety of older adults at home.
Happy Falls Prevention Awareness Day,
