Home safety and fall prevention
It’s National Falls Prevention Awareness Week! Here’s how preventing falls will help people live independently and safely in their own homes for longer in the future.
Fall prevention is key to remaining active and independent as we age and can help older adults remain in their homes longer. According to the Washington State Department of Health, 49 percent of all injury-related deaths for adults age 60 and older in Washington state are due to unintentional falls. Falls are not a normal part of aging and are preventable.
You can complete the Falls Free CheckUp for yourself or a loved one to find out what your risk of falling is. Physical activity can help with preventing falls by building strength and improving balance. Some exercises and programs are specifically designed to reduce your risk of falling. Keeping your bones healthy is also important to prevent fractures in case of a fall.
Another critical step is ensuring that your home is safe, which can include removing potential hazards and installing safety features like grab bars in the bathroom or a ramp with handrails to the front door. Wondering how safe your home or your loved one’s home is? You can use this checklist for a quick check of potential hazards or go through a detailed room-by-room evaluation using the AARP Home Fit guide, worksheets and checklists (available in five languages).
Access to WA Cares benefits gives Washingtonians more dignity and choice at a time when they are most vulnerable. WA Cares offers a variety of ways to use your benefit, including home modifications like installing grab bars or a wheelchair ramp so you can get around easily or purchasing a professional home safety evaluation.
To learn more about making your home safer and preventing falls, watch the replay of our September webinar, WA Cares Conversations: Home Safety and Fall Prevention.