Stay on Your Feet: A Guide to Fall Prevention & Safety This Fall

Stay on Your Feet: A Guide to Fall Prevention & Safety This Fall

As the leaves change and the air turns crisp, autumn brings its beauty, and for many older adults, an increased risk of falls. The South Dakota Fall Prevention Coalition emphasizes that falls are not just “accidents,” but events that many people can do something to prevent. To help keep older adults safer and more independent is the heart of their mission. (doh.sd.gov)

A Guide to Fall Prevention & Safety This Fall

Here are key takeaways from the Coalition, plus practical tips and resources you (or a loved one) can use to reduce fall risks this season.

What Is the South Dakota Fall Prevention Coalition?

  • Mission: To cultivate collaboration across communities to reduce falls by increasing knowledge and implementing evidence-based fall prevention solutions. (doh.sd.gov)

  • Vision: That older South Dakotans will have fewer falls and fall‐related injuries, maximizing their independence and quality of life. (doh.sd.gov)

  • Origin & Structure: Launched in 2019 by Sanford Health and SDSU Extension. It’s fully volunteer-run with members from health care, community organizations, and public health. (doh.sd.gov)

Why Fall Prevention Matters in the Fall Season

  • Shorter daylight & slick conditions: Fallen leaves, early sunsets, icy patches or frost in early mornings. These all increase fall hazards outside.

  • Home hazards: As people spend more time indoors, clutter, rugs, cords, and poor lighting become more dangerous.

  • Health changes: Decreased physical activity, seasonal illness, changes in medication—all may affect strength, vision, balance.

Tips & Evidence-Based Practices to Prevent Falls

Here are proven strategies, many supported or promoted by the Coalition, that help reduce the risk:

  1. Home Safety Modifications

    • Improve lighting throughout the home (hallways, stairs, bathrooms). Use night lights.

    • Remove tripping hazards: loose rugs, electrical cords, clutter.

    • Install grab bars in bathrooms; non-slip mats in tubs and showers.

    • Make sure stairs have sturdy handrails on both sides.

  2. Strength & Balance Exercises

    • Regular movement is essential. Exercises like tai chi, standing on one foot, heel-toe walks help.

    • The Coalition offers classes and resources for older adults. (doh.sd.gov)

  3. Medication Review

    • Some medications may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or contribute to falls. Consult with a physician or pharmacist.

  4. Vision Care

    • Eye exams, proper lighting, and choosing glasses appropriate for walking or driving, especially in dusk or low light.

  5. Footwear & Assistive Devices

    • Wear shoes that fit well, have non-slip soles, and cover the entire foot.

    • Use canes or walkers if needed; make sure they’re properly adjusted.

  6. Community & Professional Support

    • If you’re a provider, caregiver, or community leader, use or share resources for older adults: classes, toolkits, assessments.

    • The Coalition provides resources both for older adults and professionals. (doh.sd.gov)

How You Can Get Involved

  • Older Adults or Caregivers: Look up local fall prevention classes or workshops. Try some of the above tips at home.

  • Health Professionals / Caregivers: Incorporate fall risk assessments into regular checkups. Use the Toolkit from the Coalition to guide practice. (doh.sd.gov)

  • Community organizers / Volunteer Groups: Spread awareness. Host a talk, bring in fall prevention experts, or coordinate home safety check programs.

How Kore Cares Can Help

At Kore Cares, fall prevention is part of our everyday commitment to helping clients live safely and independently at home. At Kore Cares, we can provide:

  • Personalized Home Safety Assessments: We help identify tripping hazards and recommend simple home adjustments.

  • Daily Assistance: From light housekeeping to meal preparation, we reduce risks by keeping living areas clear and well-organized.

  • Mobility Support: Our caregivers assist with transfers, walking, and safe movement around the home.

  • Medication Assistance: Through nursing services, we can set up medication reminders and management, reducing dizziness or side effects that contribute to falls.

  • Companionship: Having someone nearby not only offers comfort, but also means quicker help in case of a fall.

Medical Devices Kore Cares Offers

We also provide medical devices that make a real difference in fall prevention and response:

  • Medical Alert Systems: Wearable devices that connect clients to emergency help at the push of a button.

  • Fall Detection Options: Some devices automatically detect a fall and alert responders, even if the individual cannot press a button.

  • Home Safety Equipment: We can help recommend or coordinate grab bars, shower chairs, raised toilet seats, and other adaptive tools.

These devices bring peace of mind to both clients and their families, knowing help is available anytime.

Resources in South Dakota

  • The South Dakota Fall Prevention Coalition website has a toolkit, classes, tips, and professional resources. (doh.sd.gov)

  • If you want to volunteer or participate, you can reach out via their contact: PreventFallsSD@gmail.com. (doh.sd.gov)

Preventing falls isn’t about eliminating every risk. It’s about identifying what you can change, one step at a time. Whether that’s improving lighting, doing a balance exercise, or helping someone get better footwear, each small change adds up. Let’s make this fall safer, stronger, and steadier for our older loved ones and neighbors.

To schedule a consultation for you or a loved one please call 1-888-546-0704.

To learn more about our services or medical devices, please visit our services page!

 

Cassie Beisch