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“Our firefighters are called out to assist residents after they have fallen,” said Fire Chief Willie McDonald. “We want to work on the front end, helping residents keep themselves and their homes safe so they don’t fall.”
With one out of three seniors falling every year in our country, the City of Scottsdale Fire Department, City of Scottsdale Senior Centers and Scottsdale Healthcare are teaming up to launch a collaborative effort to reduce falls among Scottsdale seniors.
Our Partnership
2 Fit 2 Fall is a campaign to educate seniors on the steps they can take at home and in their personal lives to reduce their risk of falling. Each partner in the collaborative has an area it focuses on to reduce falls.
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The Scottsdale Fire Department is launching
Home Safe Home, a free program where trained volunteers visit seniors’ homes to educate homeowners on fall and tripping hazards. Smoke alarms are checked and replaced free of charge and nightlights are offered to homeowners to reduce the fisk of falling in the evening. If home modifications are needed, SFD can refer the resident to nonprofit organizations who may be able to provide assistance.To determine your fall risk, please click here.
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Scottsdale Healthcare sees the impact of falls when seniors come to emergency departments since falls are the second largest injury-related reason for admission. The Healthy Steps program has a risk assessment, balance and mobility training and education components that allow personalized health for our residents.
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The City of Scottsdale Senior Centers has created the A Matter of Balance program since core strength and balance are key to avoiding falls and limiting the injuries associated with falls. Participants learn to control their fear of falling and set realistic goals for increasing physical activity. Participants find ways to change the environment to reduce risk factors and learn simple exercises to increase strength and balance. Granite Reef and Via Linda Senior Centers have fitness rooms with cardiovascular and strength training equipment. In addition, both centers offer a wide range of fitness classes including: chair aerobics, Pilates, tai chi and yoga.
For more information, please contact Public Education Officer Patty Jo Angelini at
480-312-1815 or pangelini@scottsdaleaz.gov. To request a Home Safe Home visit, please click here.