Does your parent live in King County in Washington State?
Has he or she called 9-1-1 for a fall, or has someone else called on his or her behalf?
Or has a health care professional assessed him or her as at high risk for falling?
Does your parent live independently–not in assisted living, nursing or senior public housing?
If your parent meets these criteria, he or she could be eligible to participate in a free program aimed to reduce the risk for reoccurring falls. Sponsored by King County Emergency Medical Services, the program helps elders be safe and independent in their own homes.
The program includes:
- A free in-home safety walk through of their home by a physical therapist
- Home environment assessment which may provide the following items free of charge: tub grab bars, night lights, rug slips, shower chair, toilet safety frame, raised toilet seat, bed assist handle, hand held showerhead, shower transfer bench, bath mat, wall bar, smoke alarms
How it works:
Each client will be visited by a physical therapist who will administer the following:
- Demographic and health characteristics questionnaire and “Up and Go” test or “Sit to Stand Test.”
- Clients sign a medical release so their doctor can be contacted.
The program has been running since 2003. In that time, 82.6% of those who completed the evaluation did not have a fall after the intervention.
For more information, contact “One Step Ahead,” 206-296-4866.
Leave a Reply