September 2024 Newsletter

Welcome to the Disability Advocates of Kent County's monthly newsletter. Follow us for program updates, stories of impact, and upcoming events.

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Fall Prevention Week:

Take Steps to Stay Safe!

As we welcome the first days of fall, it’s the perfect time to focus on a critical issue affecting many of us: falls. From September 23-27, the 17th annual?Fall Prevention Awareness Week (FPAW),?a nationwide initiative by the National Council on Aging (NCOA), encourages communities to raise awareness and take action to reduce the risk of falls.

Falls: A Growing Concern

Falls are the leading cause of injury?among older adults, with one in four seniors experiencing a fall each year. These incidents often lead to?broken bones, head injuries, and?a loss of independence. However, the good news is that many falls can be prevented by making small, proactive changes at home and in daily routines.

At Disability Advocates, we are committed to helping seniors and people with disabilities stay safe and independent. As part of Fall Prevention Awareness Week, we’re sharing essential tips and services to help you and your loved ones reduce the risk of falling and maintain independence.

You may not need a full renovation to make your home safer—small adjustments can make a big impact. Here are some simple but effective steps to prevent falls.

Take Action This Fall Prevention Week!

Find out how Disability Advocates can help!

If you or a loved one is concerned about falls, reach out to learn more about our eligibility requirements and services. Our?Occupational Therapy Team is ready to help?you make the changes needed for a safer living environment.

Apply Online!

Or contact Lisa Nelson-Williams:

phone: (616) 323-2222

email: [email protected]

Home Assessments: Keeping You Safe at Home

Sometimes, a professional’s insight can help identify risks you may not notice. At Disability Advocates, our Occupational Therapists specialize in assessing homes for potential hazards and recommending improvements. Whether it's?removing barriers, installing adaptive equipment, or making other modifications, we can help tailor your home to be a safer, more accessible environment.

The Role of Physical Activity in Fall Prevention

Maintaining strength and balance is key to preventing falls.?Regular physical activity, like walking, stretching, or participating in toning programs?can improve coordination and stability. Gentle exercises such as?tai chi,?yoga, or?balance training?can also significantly reduce the risk of falling.

Tips for Preventing Falls at Home

from the National Council on Aging

1. Clear Pathways:?Remove any clutter, loose rugs, or wires that could cause tripping. Ensure walkways are clear, especially in high-traffic areas like hallways and stairs.
2. Improve Lighting:?Poor lighting is a major contributor to falls. Make sure your home is well-lit, particularly stairwells, bathrooms, and entryways. Consider using nightlights in hallways and bedrooms to make navigating at night easier.
3. Add Grab Bars and Handrails:?Installing grab bars in bathrooms and sturdy handrails along staircases can provide much-needed stability. These are simple additions that can prevent dangerous falls.
4. Non-Slip Flooring: Floors can be slippery, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. Use non-slip mats or rugs with gripped backing to help prevent accidental slips.
5. Keep Items Within Reach:?Store frequently used items in easy-to-reach places to avoid the need for climbing or bending over, which can lead to imbalance.

Upcoming Events

Invest In Ability | Thursday, November 7 | 6:00pm

Honoring Mike & Debbie Damstra - Founders and Owners of CareLinc

Sponsorships are available for our signature event!

Click here for more information.

Become a monthly donor today!

Join us in making a lasting impact at Disability Advocates of Kent County by becoming a monthly donor! Your ongoing support helps us work alongside over 7,000 people with disabilities each year, removing barriers and fostering independence.

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