Falls are a significant health issue for older adults. One in four older adults falls every year and falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older Americans. Experiencing a fall can have far-reaching negative consequences, such as limiting a person’s activities and increasing social isolation. But there is some good news…most falls are preventable!
National Falls Prevention Awareness Week occurs every year the third week of September, which falls on September 20-24 in 2021. The purpose of Falls Prevention Awareness Week is to raise awareness about the impact of falls among older adults, promote the message that most falls are preventable and offer practical solutions to prevent falls.
This year for Falls Prevention Awareness Week, the King County Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy, City of Seattle’s Aging and Disability Services, Sound Generations, and several local community-based organizations are teaming up to spread the word about how to prevent falls.
Fall Prevention Awareness Week virtual events
Two virtual events will be held to share fall prevention resources and local programs. Events are open to all.
VSHSL Grantee Fall Prevention Programs in King County
Monday, September 20 from 3-4pm
This presentation, facilitated by Sound Generations, will showcase a few local fall prevention programs funded by the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy (VSHSL). These exercise and education programs help improve participants’ strength, stability, and awareness of falls.
Join via Zoom
Meeting ID: 854 8009 1122
Passcode: 839703
Call In: 253-215-8782
Medication Management and Fall Prevention Panel
Wednesday, September 22 from 2:30-3:30pm
This panel, facilitated by Aging and Disability Services, will feature medical professionals working in a range of fields talking about the connection between medications and falls and sharing successes they’ve had addressing medications and falls with different communities of older adults.
Join via WebEx
Meeting Number: 249 519 53082
Meeting Password: KijSyABY373
Call In: 1-206-207-1700
Throughout the week of September 20-24 check back on Cultivating Connections for more tips and resources related to falls prevention, including how to keep your home safe from fall hazards and how vision and hearing impact falls.
