In King County, falls make up a notable portion of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) calls involving older adults, many of which occur in the comfort of their own homes. What begins as a single fall can have cascading effects with far-reaching consequences. Recent reporting in the New York Times found that death rates for people over 65 from fall injuries in the U.S. have tripled over the past 30 years. Yet, falls are largely preventable. With awareness, preparation, and simple safety measures, you can greatly reduce your risks.
Free in-home visits to assess fall risk
If you’re 50 or older, live independently in King County (outside Seattle), reside within your home (not within a nursing home, assisted living or adult family home or enrolled in hospice), able to walk, with or without mobility devices and have called 9-1-1 due to a fall in the past six months, you may qualify for a free in-home visit from a fall prevention health educator through the One Step Ahead Fall Prevention Program. A visit includes
- A personalized fall risk assessment and home safety walk-through to identify safety hazards
- Education to maintain safety and increase independence
- Installation of fall safety devices (nonslip mats or nightlights)
- Community resources and information
Each visit is tailored to your needs and how you move through your space.
To learn more or sign up for the program, email FallPrevention.EMS@kingcounty.gov, call 206-263-8544, or visit: www.kingcounty.gov/ems/falls
How to lower your risk of falling
There are simple steps you can take to stay safe:
Make your home safer
- Add nightlights in bedrooms and bathrooms
- Keep floors clear of clutter, cords, and loose rugs
- Install handrails on both sides of stairs
- Use grab bars in the bathroom and non-slip mats in the tub
- Choose furniture that’s easy to get in and out of
Care for your hearing and vision
- Poor eyesight can lead to missteps. Get your eyes checked every year or as changes occur and keep your prescriptions up to date.
- Hearing can affect balance and impact the brain’s ability to process environmental cues. Have your hearing checked annually or as changes occur.
Manage your medications
Certain prescription medication can affect balance, coordination or alertness, especially when combined with other medications. These side effects may significantly raise the risk of falling, particularly for older adults. Some experts have hypothesized that prescription medications have been a factor in the rise in falls in recent years, so it’s important to:
- Know what medications you’re taking and understand their potential side effects
- Review your medications with your healthcare provider; ask whether any of your prescriptions may increase your fall risks
- Take medications as directed—don’t skip doses
- Maintain a complete medication list, include prescriptions, over the counter medications, vitamins, and herbs
- Use one pharmacy and consult with your pharmacist about drug interactions
Stay active
- Regular movement helps you stay strong and balanced. Talk to your doctor about safe exercises.
- Check out King County’s Shape Up! program for free or low-cost fitness options for adults 50+ at six participating community and senior centers in King County.
Growing older doesn’t mean that falling is inevitable. Falls are preventable, so you can maintain independence and well-being by reducing the risks in your home. During Falls Prevention Awareness Week, we encourage older adults and their loved ones to take steps to make their homes safer and see if they are eligible for the One Step Ahead Fall Prevention Program.
Originally published 9/22/25