Partner Spotlight

Rebuilding Together Twin Cities' Safe at Home Program

Falls Prevention Awareness Day Is September 23rd

Did you know that every 35 minutes, an older adult dies from a fall? One third of older adults fall each year in the United States, making falls the leading cause of injury deaths and the most common cause of nonfatal injuries and hospital admissions among this population. For persons 65 and older, nearly half of all falls occur in their own home. And while 83% of older adults hope to age in place, nearly 60% are unable to devote any funds to the maintenance or modification of their homes.

These statistics are staggering, but there are ways to help prevent older adults from falling in their homes. For example, the Center for Disease Control lists home modifications, like installing grab bars and handrails, as one of the top four recommendations for reducing the risk of falls.

In honor of Falls Prevention Awareness Day, Rebuilding Together Twin Cities is taking this opportunity to share information with the community about falls prevention how to help older adults live safely and independently in their homes. The Safe at Home Program makes minor safety and accessibility modifications, such as installing grab bars and handrails. These basic modifications can prevent falls and enable older adults to continue to live safely in their homes for years to come.

If you or someone you know might benefit from the Safe at Home program please visit their website for more information or contact them at SafeAtHome@RebuildingTogether-TwinCities.org or 651-776-4273.

Honoring Older Volunteers: National Senior Corps Week

September 20 thru 24 is National Senior Corps Week, honoring the work of over eighteen-thousand Minnesotans 55 and over, who volunteered 2.7 million hours last year, to make a difference in their communities. Senior Corps is a national volunteer program made up of Foster Grandparents, Senior Companions and RSVP. Foster Grandparents mentor children, while Senior Companions help older adults live independently. RSVP volunteers choose from a variety of flexible opportunities at non-profits in their community.
Senior Corps programs provide personalized volunteer placement as well as other benefits. If you’re 55 or over, Call 612-617-7833 to find a volunteer opportunity that’s right for you. Thank you, Senior Corps volunteers, for the work you do in our community every day!