​Community Fall Prevention Program

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 Falls are the #1 reason our ambulances are dispatched in the District and 75% require a transport to the hospital.  Falls are the #1 cause of injury sending our seniors to the hospital emergency rooms in both Sonoma and Mendocino Counties.  At the national level, 1 in 3 Americans aged 65+ falls each year.  Injuries from falls impede or threaten our ability to return to an independent lifestyle.  Falls however, are NOT a part of normal aging and we CAN do something to prevent them. 

Collaborating partners include CLSD, RCMS, Coast Seniors, Aging in Place Mendonoma, local area strength and balance training resources, and the Area Agency on Aging in Sonoma County covering Irish Beach to Timber Cove.  Our goal is enhancing the safe and independent qualify of life of our senior Mendonoma community by reducing falls and their related injuries and by educating seniors on the frequency and outcome of falls.

Many falls are preventable.  The following tips can help keep you safe:
  • Talk with Your Provider
Ask for a fall risk self-assessment and discuss your recent fall history with your provider.
  • Manage Your Medications
Review your medications on a regular basis with your primary care team.  Side effects may increase your risk for falling.  Take medications as prescribed.
  • Get Annual Vision & Hearing Exams
Get vision and hearing screenings annually and update your eyeglasses when needed.  Your eyes and ears help to keep you stable and on your feet.
  • Do a Home Safety Check
Keep walkways clear, check the lighting in each room of the home, putting railings on all stairs and install grab bars where they are needed.  Request a home safety check by calling Coastal Seniors at (707) 882-2137.
  • Enroll in the Matter of Balance Program
Matter of Balance is a program designed to reduce the incidents of falls, reduce the fear of falling and increase activity levels in adults.  Taught with certified instructors, classes provide a structured group process to address the physical, social, and cognitive factors affecting the fear of falling and to learn fall prevention strategies.  To enroll, call Coastal Seniors at (707) 882-2137.
  • Take Strength and Balance Exercise Classes
Build balance, strength and flexibility by finding a strength and balance program that you would enjoy and maybe encourage a friend to join you. For suggestions on local balance courses, call Denny at (707) 785-2208.
  • Talk to Friends and Family
Enlist family and friends to help keep you safe.  Falls are not just an issue for seniors.
​For more information:
Coastal Seniors: (707) 882-2137
Strength and Balance Training Denny:(707) 785-2208

Visit the following websites:
Coastal Seniors   
​www.coastalseniors.org
Aging in Place Mendonoma  www.aginginplacemendonoma.org

Downloadable Resources:
  • Stay Independent - Are You at Risk? Includes a self-scoring risk assessment risk survey
  • Home Safety Checklist and area licensed contractors who can do things like install grab bars or improve lighting
  • Matter of Balance (MOB) Workshop description.
  • Free resources for Strength & Balance exercises
Take the Fall Risk Assesment.pdf
File Size: 638 kb
File Type: pdf
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Home Safety-Contractor.pdf
File Size: 546 kb
File Type: pdf
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MOB Workshop_flyer[2].pdf
File Size: 302 kb
File Type: pdf
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