Upcoming Fall Prevention Workshops for Older Adults and Caregivers

When an older adult falls, it can have life-changing impacts.

In San Diego County, there were more than 33,000 emergency room discharges due to falls among people 60 years and older reported in 2023. Serious injuries, hospitalizations and even death can result.

"A fall can have a major impact on someone's independence and for their entire support system. It can lead to permanent injuries, the need for surgeries and have overall impact how they are able to live their everyday life," said Jennifer Bransford Koons, Director of County Aging & Independence Services. "The good news is that falls are preventable. There are ways to make our homes safer and be better prepared so that we can avoid the devastating outcomes of a fall."

The County-led San Diego Fall Prevention Task Force seeks to address this serious issue by bringing together healthcare professionals, senior service providers and community advocates to work on fall-reduction strategies. It is hosting a series of no-cost workshops between Saturday, Sept. 20 and Friday, Sept. 26 throughout the county and the public is invited to attend.

• Saturday, Sept. 20 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Scripps Mercy Hospital, San Diego ( 4077 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103) Standing Stronger Fall Prevention Workshop featuring presentations, sample classes, fall risk assessments, health screenings, exhibitors, and more. To register,email [email protected]or call (619) 686-3644

• Sunday, Sept. 21 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Palomar Hospital, Escondido ( 2185 Citracado Parkway, Escondido, CA 92029) Fall prevention information booth with individualized Fall Risk Screening by Palomar Physical Therapy Professionals. No registration needed. For questions, contact [email protected]

• Monday, Sept. 22 from 2 to 3 p.m. - County Aging & Independence Services, Virtual
  Join Aging & Independence Services for Balance & Beyond: A Panel on Fall Prevention & Aging Well. An expert panel-including a geriatrician, physical therapist, pharmacist, exercise instructor, and first responder-will discuss practical tips for reducing fall risks and staying independent. Discover proven strategies for safe movement, medication management, home safety, and emergency preparedness. Registration is available online. For questions, email [email protected]

• Tuesday, Sept. 23 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla ( 9888 Genesee Ave, La Jolla, CA 92037)
  Standing Stronger Fall Prevention Workshop featuring presentation, sample classes, fall risk assessments, medication checks, blood pressure and stroke risk assessments, exhibitors, and more. To register, email [email protected] or call (858) 626-6160

• Tuesday, Sept. 23 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Sharp/Grossmont Healthcare District (9001 Wakarusa Street, La Mesa, CA 91942)
  Fall Prevention & Balance Screening Event. To register, call 1-800-82-SHARP or visit the Sharp event registration website.

• Wednesday, Sept. 24 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. - Fallbrook Regional Health District ( 1636 East Mission Road, Fallbrook, CA 92028)
  Join County Aging & Independence Services and the Fallbrook Community Health & Wellness Center for a Wellness Wednesday event featuring health screenings, fall risk assessments, and a fall prevention presentation. No registration is needed. For questions call, (760) 731-9187.

• Wednesday, Sept. 24 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. - ElderHelp of San Diego, Virtual
  Join ElderHelp for a Family Caregiver Webinar on the topic of Staying Safe & Living Well: Fall Prevention for Older Adults. To register, visit the ElderHelp registration website.For questions, email Carrie McLellan at [email protected]

• Thursday, Sept. 25, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. - UC San Diego Health ( Gary & Mary West Wellness Center, 1525 Fourth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101)
  Join UC San Diego Health and the Gary & Mary West Senior Wellness Center for a f prevention event for older adults featuring presentations, exhibitors, and information-sharing. Registration is not needed. For questions, email [email protected]

• Friday, Sept. 26, from 12 to 4 p.m. - Scripps Encinitas Rehabilitation Center ( 1092 North El Camino Real, Encinitas, CA 92024)
  Standing Stronger Fall Prevention Workshop featuring presentations, sample classes, fall risk assessments, health screenings, exhibitors, and more. To register or ask questions, email [email protected] or call (858) 626-6160

Four Fall Prevention Tips

Risk factors for falls are many. They include vision and hearing problems, medications, chronic conditions and environmental hazards. Oftentimes, older adults have a combination of several risk factors.

The good news is that falls are largely preventable. Here are some low to no-cost strategies to lower your risk:

• Look critically at your home and identify possible trip hazards. Come up with a plan to address these hazards, such as installing plug-in night lights in dimly lit hallways, removing clutter, and removing loose throw rugs.

• Be physically active. Focus on activities that can improve your leg strength and balance or consider joining a community exercise program like tai chi or Feeling Fit Club. You can learn more about these programs at HealthierLivingSD.org .

• Talk with your healthcare providers about falls. This includes your doctor, physical therapist, and pharmacist.

• Get your vision and hearing checked regularly. Address any changes with corrective lenses or hearing aids as they can lower your risk of falls.

The County's Aging & Independence Services (AIS) has more strategies and resources to prevent falls. Visit SanDiegoFallPrevention.org or call the AIS Health Promotion Team at 858-495-5500 to learn more.