Yesterday was the first day of fall. Coincidentally, this year’s autumnal equinox happened on national Fall Prevention Awareness Day, which is an important reminder that falls continue to be a leading cause of injury-related death for older Arizonans.
Did you know that last year alone more than 51,000 people over the age of 65 had to go to a hospital emergency room because of a fall?
And once an older person falls once, the chances of repeated falls increase. According to the Centers for Disease Control, one in five falls causes a head injury or broken bones, usually a broken hip in those over 65. On a national scale, reports Aging.com, an older person is treated in an emergency room for a fall injury every 11 seconds. And someone dies due to a fall injury every 19 minutes. And sadly, 60% of falls occur at home.
Yes, at home, where you should feel safe.
The statistics are alarming, but I am so proud to be part of an organization that works every single day to make HOME safer. We do this by building accessible ramps, installing bathroom modifications, and removing trip hazards when possible.
You make this possible through your support. But now I am asking you to do more. Since our slow-down during the pandemic, we have a backlog of people who need ramps and other modifications. You can help them by becoming a Safe@Home volunteer. Turn your spare time and talent into a fall prevention superpower. You will be a hero to many of your neighbors in need. And you will definitely be one of my heroes.
Happy fall, ya’ll.
