Civic Coffee Recap: Fall Prevention

On Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025, Age Friendly Seattle partnered with the Seattle Public Library and GenPride to host its monthly Civic Coffee, focusing on fall prevention. Paige Denison, Director of Health, Wellness, and Project Enhance at Sound Generations, and Helen Halpern, an occupational therapist with Habitat for Humanity through the CAPABLE program, spoke about fall prevention. Mary Pat O’Leary, registered nurse and Senior Planner with Aging and Disability Services (ADS), moderated the panel.

Their central point: Falls are not inevitable. Prevention is possible.

Denison shared a story about Margaret, a 78-year-old woman whose home became her entire world after two falls left her scared to leave. Eventually Margaret joined the Matter of Balance workshop, a program that “empowers older adults to live confident, coordinated, and independent lives.” After the workshop, Margaret installed grab bars, removed slippery throw rugs, and installed better lighting. These changes helped Margaret feel like falls were not inevitable. Her new confidence helped her enjoy walking again, rejoin her book club, and gain a sense that she could live without fear.

One of Halpern’s clients lived mostly in a wheelchair due to balance impairments and weakness and relied on help from a hired home caregiver. After installing grab bars and other small life improvements, she was able to stay in her home without the help from her caregiver. Halpern said her client felt empowered to take care of herself safely.

Click on the image above to watch a video recording of the Civic Coffee on Fall Prevention (YouTube, 51:42).

Fall prevention tips for your home

Sound Generations’ Minor Home Repair Program helps low- to moderate-income adults of all ages maintain independence and remain safely in their homes for as long as possible. If you rent, there is still much you can do to make temporary changes to your home environment.

1. Reduce tripping hazards, such as clutter and throw rugs.
2. Improve lighting.
3. Rearrange furniture to create a clear path of walking.
4. Install grab bars with landlord permission.
5. Use nonslip mats, such as non-slip strips you put in the shower or tub.
6. Think ahead and prepare for emergencies. Simple things such as having a flashlight on hand can help prevent falls in the future. 

Exercise for fall prevention

The MOST important strategy for fall prevention in older adults is exercise.

The best type of exercise is any kind you’ll do. Moving our bodies in any way is great. Denison recommends activities that promote balance and strength. A simple example is practicing sitting and standing at home. We start losing muscle around age 30, so building and maintaining strength is especially important. If you’re a social person, group classes or physical activities with friends is a great way to get moving while having fun. 

Other fall prevention tips

• Check your medicine. If you are taking a medicine that makes you dizzy, talk with your healthcare provider. They may have a solution.
• Get your vision tested. Vision is important. If you cannot see clearly, wear clean glasses with the correct prescription.
• Wear prescribed hearing aids. If your healthcare professionals recommend hearing aids, wear them. This can help with falling and cognitive health.
• Wear supportive footwear. Having a back on your shoe, as opposed to slip-on shoes, will give you more support and could prevent falls.

It may also be useful to consult an occupational therapist. Their goal is to help you preserve independence and safety in day-to-day tasks. They tailor their strategy based on their client’s unique concerns and motivations, such as times of day that feel unsafe, or certain activities that their clients feel uncomfortable doing. They look at their clients holistically, rather than focusing on one aspect of their life.

Falls are not inevitable. Falls are preventable.

Staying active, making modifications to your home, and discussing the issue with your family and friends can help reduce the stigma surrounding falls and keep you upright. Reach out for support if you’ve stopped doing things you love. When we support each other in these ways, we can live stronger, longer, and with less fear.

If you’re looking for fun opportunities to move your body, Seattle Parks and Recreation offers a variety of programs, including some specifically designed for older adults, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals. If you want to check your own risk for a fall, take NCOA’s Falls Free CheckUp.

Age Friendly Seattle is grateful for Paige Denison, Helen Halpern, and Mary Pat O’Leary for their insights on fall prevention, as well as for GenPride’s partnership in hosting this Civic Coffee event. Watch the online recording here and learn about the upcoming Civic Coffee here. Share this article with a friend to spread the wealth of knowledge. Fall prevention is possible!

Contributor Sonali Agarwal is an intern with Age Friendly Seattle. She is studying Law, Societies & Justice and Environmental Studies at the University of Washington. To read more about Civic Coffee and other programs, visit Age Friendly Seattle.