Farewell to Falls

Thousands of older adults fall each year, with many of them experiencing multiple falls. And many of these can be prevented; research shows that the home environment is responsible for about 1/3 of all falls.

If you have fallen recently, within the last 30 days, you may qualify for a free, fall prevention program offered through the Trauma Service and Emergency Department at Stanford University. This program includes 2 initial home visits by a registered occupational therapist, and a third visit one year after enrollment. The program includes a balance and mobility assessment, a home safety survey, recommended fall risk reduction methods, and an exercise program.

You must be 65 years or older and have a television with VCR or DVD. For more information, call the Farewell to Falls Program at Stanford: 650-724-9369. And information can be found directly at the Stanford Hospital website:

http://www.stanfordhospital.com/newsEvents/newsReleases/2008/farewellToFalls

We should all use every available resource to help us with safety and health as we age.

Tom Binder
Seniors Real Estate Specialist