LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa. – This week marks National Fall Prevention Awareness Week.
According to Lehigh County Coroner Daniel Buglio, there has been an increase in fall deaths this year across the county.
To date, there have been 108 deaths, many of whom were elderly.
“Most of the time, it’s not just a random trip and fall. Although we do see those, it’s medical history; they could be weak, the person can normally be bedbound,” says Lehigh County Coroner Daniel Buglio.
Buglio says there are several precautions that you can take around your home.
“Most fall risks can be identified. Simple things like lighting, making sure there’s proper lighting in the house, secure handrails, remove any loose rugs, obstacles on the staircase going up or down any shoes or anything that could be blocking or obstructing the path for the person to hold onto the rail,” Buglio explains.
Officials say prevention starts with education.
“We are going to go to seven sites in Lehigh County, four sites in Northampton County and they will do fall prevention education, and they will have a whole host of different kinds of screens to try to help our older adults,” says Executive Director of Lehigh County Office of Aging and Adult Services Jr. Reed.
This Friday, Lehigh and Northampton counties are teaming up with area hospitals and universities to host these free events at local senior centers.
“We’re going to be giving out grip socks, we have nightlights, rubber jar openers- anything that we thought of to give our older adult population and our community members to help prevent falls,” says Jessica Yaich, Program Analyst, Lehigh County Office of Aging and Adult Services.