f Falls Prevention Program

SENIORS COUNCIL FALLS PREVENTION PROGRAM

Information

Introduced and funded by Assembly Bill No. 74 (A.B. 74) of the State of California Budget Act of 2019, the Seniors Council Fall Prevention Program provides various services and supports, such as injury prevention information, education, assessments, and referral services, as well as injury prevention equipment, minor home safety modifications and repairs, including materials and labor costs to at-risk individuals living with disability and those over the age of 60.

Seniors Council Falls Prevention Staff and Partner Organizations can speak with you or a caregiver about your own experience with falls - - or fear of falling - - to help devise a falls prevention strategy and recommend some practical steps you can take to help avoid a fall or mitigate the severity of a fall when it does occur.

We offer . . .

  • Falls prevention information and educational materials, as well as tailored community presentations for groups and events. Call (831) 688-0400 ext. 113 or e-mail fallsprevention@seniorscouncil.org
  • Individual In-Home Falls Risk and Safety Assessments, administered by trained professional staff, in-home and at your convenience, or remotely via the following self-administered assessment tools. Call (831) 688-0400 ext. 113 or e-mail fallsprevention@seniorscouncil.org
  • No-cost professional referral service to local strength and balance classes, as well as telephone and web-based virtual alternatives to help you remain fall free, or help improve and maintain your strength and balance to avoid future falls.
  • No-cost professional referral service to local volunteer organizations and professional contractors for installing safety devices such as grab bars or hand railings, installing passive safety lighting, and in making limited falls prevention-related repairs to the home. Certain eligibility criteria apply. (Please note that this support has been temporarily suspended owing to health and safety precautions associated with addressing COVID-19).
  • Medical Guardian GPS-enabled personal emergency response (safety pendant) systems through Companion For Life (CFL), so that falls can be detected and emergency help can be summoned.

The program seeks to:

  • Raise awareness and provide information about fall risks and fall prevention strategies;
  • Make available education, tools, resources, and referrals to address falls and risk of falls;
  • Provide in-home behavioral and environmental safety assessments and evaluations;
  • Recommend changes and interventions to lessen both the severity and frequency of falls.

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC) . . .

  • 30 million older adults fall each year - resulting in about 30,000 deaths.
  • 3 million older adults are treated for a fall injury.
  • 1 out of every 5 falls causes a serious injury, such as broken bones or a head injury.
  • Each year at least 300,000 older people are hospitalized for hip fractures.
  • More than 95% of hip fracture are caused by falling - usually by falling sideways.
  • Women fall more often than men and account for 3/4 of all hip fractures.

Santa Cruz Volunteer Center Companion For Life Project Jovenes de Antaño

Seniors Council and its Falls Prevention Program are organizing members of the Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito County, Tri-County Falls Prevention Coalition. Contact us at (831) 688-0040 if you’d like further information, or are interested in joining us in this important work!

Enrollment For Services

Seniors Council Falls Prevention Enrollment Form (DOCX) Seniors Council Falls Prevention Enrollment Form (PDF) Fill out the form and contact the SENIORS COUNCIL at (831) 688-9217 ext. 113 or email brittb@seniorscouncil.org to make an appointment for an in-home assessment.

Individuals

What Can YOU Do (PDF) Stay Independent (PDF) Check For Safety (PDF) en español Lo que USTED puede hacer (PDF) Mantegna su independencia (PDF) Verifique la Seguridad (PDF)

Caregivers/Cuidadores de famila

Protect You Loved Ones (PDF) en español Proteja a sus seres queridos (PDF)

Home Safety Self Assessment Tool (HSSAT)

Bathroom Bedroom Entrance to Back/Side Door Entrance to Front Door and Front Yard Garage Hallway or Foyer Kitchen Laundry Room/Basement Living Room Staircases Combined