September 18-22, 2023 is National Falls Prevention Week. Join the Seattle Fire Department in getting this important fall prevention information out to our communities.
Did you know?
- In Washington State, fall-related injuries account for more than half of all injury-related deaths of adults aged 65+ and 70% of all injury-related deaths for adults aged 85+
- Each year, 28% of Washington residents over age 65 experience a fall
According to Seattle-King County Public Health, approximately 50%-70% of falls are due to home hazards, so it’s important to identify them and take action to prevent falls at home. Check out this home safety check list to help you identify and correct common hazards that lead to falls.
Two thirds of seniors who experience a fall will fall again within six months.
1 in 3 people aged 65 years and older fall at least once every year. 1 in 40 of those will be hospitalized and only half of those hospitalized will survive the year.
More information:
Seattle/King County Public Health Fall Prevention Resources
Washington State Department of Health – Older Adult Falls
National Council on Aging – Fall Prevention Week
Information in Spanish: