Community Resources – Falls Prevention and Risk Assessment

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Have you fallen, or are you worried that you might fall?  Are you concerned that a friend, loved one or client is at risk?  If so, you are not alone.  Falls can happen anytime and anyplace, but most often they occur at home during everyday activities.  That’s why it’s important to look at what might be falls “triggers” for you or someone you care about.

Are you or someone you care about at risk for falls?

Check out our Falls Risk Survey to find out.

If you have 4 or more points, contact your healthcare provider for a complete falls risk screening, and check the links below for resources that can help you or someone you care about stay safe and independent.

After you’ve completed the checklist, make sure to take advantage of the available resources such as falls prevention classes to help you or your someone you care about stay safe and independent. Some suggestions are below.

Take Action! Prevent A Fall!

cdc-steadi-falls

Check Your Vision

Local Vision Resources:

Office for the Blind and Visually Impaired
OBVI Main Office PO Box 7851
Madison, WI 53707-7851
(888)-879-0017 or (608)266-3109

https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/blind/index.htm

Program description: Services for eligible consumers to meet their independent living goals may include:

  1. Vision Rehabilitation Therapy services constitute the broad array of skills needed to teach individuals who are blind or visually impaired to function independently at home and/or in a work environment, and to participate in community life. These include communication techniques, activities of daily living, personal management, home management, leisure management, medical management, indoor orientation, and community integration.
  2. Low Vision Therapy services screen and assess functional visual abilities and visual deficits using specialized evaluation instruments. In collaboration with an ophthalmologist and/or optometrist who manage eye health and treatment, a Low Vision Therapist provides training in the use of low vision equipment, techniques, and environmental modifications for enhanced visual functioning.
  3. Orientation and Mobility services are provided in a sequence of instruction to individuals with visual impairment in the use of their remaining senses to determine their position within the environment, and in techniques for safe movement from one location to another.
  4. Accessible computer technology service providers, specific to computer accessibility for individuals who are blind, help individuals with visual disabilities acquire and use appropriate accessible computer technology to assist them in activities of daily living, employment and education.
  5. Information and referral about and to community resources, including peer support groups, that will help meet individualized consumer needs.
  6. Assisting the consumer in understanding the medical and psychosocial aspects of visual impairments, and provide individual advocacy training.
  7. Other independent living services.

 

University of Wisconsin Eye Clinic
2880 University Ave
University Station
Madison, WI 53705
(608)263-7171

https://www.ophth.wisc.edu/clinics/locations/

Program Description: Provides eye exams (only) for uninsured and underinsured patients. (Lions Club may cover cost of glasses, for City of Madison residents only). Referrals are made from outside agencies or clinics, including, but not limited to: Access Community Health Centers, MEDiC Clinics, Porchlight, Public Health Madison and Dane County, Safe Haven Transitional Housing, The Salvation Army and school nurses. Clinic is run by two residents and one faculty once a month. Appointments should be made by referring clinic following a financial screening. Patients requiring a follow-up appointment during regular clinic hours will be billed a full-fee clinic visit. Financial arrangements can be made by contacting UW Hospital and Clinics Business Office.

 

Wisconsin Council of the Blind and Visually Impaired (purchase low vision aids)
754 Williamson Street
Madison, WI 53703
(608)255-1166

http://wcblind.org/

Program Description: Online catalog, Sharper Vision Store, providing adaptive products for people with vision loss

  • Braille and tactile aids (equipment sales, training, information, client evaluation, and product demonstration)
  • Low vision aids (equipment sales, training, information, client evaluation, and product demonstration)
  • Daily living aids (sales, training, information, client evaluation, and product demonstration)
  • Blind mobility aids (sales, training, information, and client evaluation)

Review Your Medicines

Medication Resources:

Medications Linked to Falls-Resource from CDC (PDF)

Postural Hypotension-Resource from CDC (PDF)

 

Wisconsin Pharmacy Quality Collaborative
The Wisconsin Pharmacy Quality Collaborative (WPQC) is an initiative of the Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin (PSW) which connects community pharmacists with patients, physicians, and health plans to improve the quality and reduce the cost of medication use across Wisconsin. This team-based approach has brought stakeholders together in a unique collaboration with the goal of ensuring safe and high-quality care to patients in Wisconsin.  WPQC coordinates a network of pharmacies with certified pharmacists who have received specific Medication Therapy Management (MTM) training. WPQC pharmacists meet privately with patients to review medication regimens, communicate potential opportunities to improve medication use with physicians and other health care providers, and educate patients on the appropriate use of their medications. The medication use and safety goals of WPQC are to resolve drug therapy problems, improve adherence and coordination of care, and engage patients in their own care. Click here to access the WPQC website.

Make Your Home Safe

Home Safety Resources:

Safety Checklist from the CDC (PDF)

Additional Local and National Resources

 

Advance Life Assist
2210 Pinehurst Drive
Middleton, WI 53562
(608)831-1688
http://www.lifeassistusa-medical-alarm-system.com/

Life Assist USA provides personal emergency response systems allowing clients to get the help they need at the push of a button 24 x 7 x 365.

 

Home Health United Medical Equipment
4639 Hammersley Road
Madison, WI 53711
(608)276-2420
https://www.homehealthunited.org/home-medical-equipment

All our retail stores have an extensive supply of home medical equipment and supplies to assist patients and caregivers with treatments and care as well as increase mobility, safety, independence and comfort.

 

Home Health United PERS (Personal Emergency Response System)
4639 Hammersley Road
Madison, WI 53711
(608)223-7967
https://www.homehealthunited.org/community-health-services/pers

Subscribers wear a pendant, and in the event of a fall or other emergency, pressing the activator button will alert monitoring personnel who will contact the subscriber to ensure they are safe, or will contact other designated emergency responders as needed. PERS gives subscribers and their loved ones peace of mind knowing help is available with the push of a button.

 

Independent Living, Inc. Home Safety Modification
2970 Chapel Valley Road, Suite 203
Madison, WI 53711-7424
(608)268-9635
http://www.independentlivinginc.org/home-safety-modification.html

Independent Living has obtained grant funding (one for the city and one for Dane County) to assist homeowners with obtaining Durable Medical Equipment (DME: raised toilet seat, shower chair, commode, etc.) and completing minor home modifications. The focus of these grants is to improve both safety and accessibility. Depending on the needs of the individual, assessment and installation can take place in 1-2 weeks for DME and 1-2 months for minor home modifications.

 

Meriter Home Health
2180 W Beltline Hwy
Madison, WI 53713
(608)417-3770
http://www.meriter.com/services/home-health

Offers a wide range of equipment and supplies designed to help individuals maintain their independence including home safety devices, daily living aids, bathroom safety devices, toileting aids, respiratory aids, CPAP, BIPAP, oxygen, apnea monitors, wheelchairs and other wheeled mobility devices, transfer devices, ceiling lift systems, stair lifts, platform lifts, lift chairs, hospital beds, pressure reducing support services, and Lifeline personal emergency response systems.

 

S.A.F.E. at Home
4639 Hammersley Road
Madison, WI 53711
(608)223-7970
https://www.homehealthunited.org/community-health-services/safe-at-home

The program provides an initial in-home safety assessment, then six months of follow-up by a Medical Social Worker. After six months the participant is discharged from the program.

SAFE at Home Provides:

  • A basic home safety assessment
  • Review of medications by a pharmacist
  • Safety aids including a free pill box and night light
  • Home safety recommendations
  • Additional information about community fall prevention resources

 

Supporting Active Independent Lives (SAIL)
Oakwood Village University Woods Campus
6209 Mineral Point Road #210
Madison, WI 53705
(608)230-4321
www.sailtoday.org

Supporting Active Independent Lives (SAIL) is a vibrant non-profit membership organization of people 55+ who reside in the Dane county area. SAIL members wish to remain active, independent, in their own homes, and socially connected, and have found that navigating the many changes brought on by age is much easier with the resources offered by SAIL. Membership includes referrals to pre-screened service providers, discounted emergency pendants, daily automated check-in service, house checks, shredding services, wellness services, social events and clubs, member-helping-member volunteer opportunities, discounts to Madison School & Community Recreation (MSCR) programs, Home Health United medical equipment, quarterly mattress flipping and other member perks!

 

Stoughton Hospital Lifeline
900 Ridge Street
Stoughton, WI 53589
(608)873-2372
http://www.stoughtonhospital.com/other-services/lifeline-emergency-response-system/
Lifeline is an in-home emergency response system offered by Stoughton Hospital. Lifeline enables senior citizens, people with physical disabilities and others who may need extra assistance, to maintain independence by providing a simple and proven method of calling for help.

 

William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital
(available to veterans who qualify-contact your VA physician)

 

Adaptive Solutions, Equipment & In-Home Care
6200 Sylvan Ln
Monona, WI 53716
(608)234-7440
http://www.adaptiveremodelingsolutions.com
Adaptive Remodeling Solutions, LLC work to provide older adults and individuals with special needs with the home remodeling solutions that they need to remain independent. This includes remodeling kitchens, bathrooms, and other home modifications that make a home more accessible.

 

Accessibility Plus
608-221-0161 main office
http://www.accessibilityplusonline.com/Home_Page.html
Accessibility Plus is focused exclusively on making the home a safer place for individuals who are physically challenged due to a disability or aging. Our in-home safety assessments and home safety modification services are provided by an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA).

 

Project Home, Inc
1966 S Stoughton Rd
Madison, WI 53716
(608)246-3737
http://www.projecthomewi.org
Makes minor repairs for qualified homeowners in Dane County, OUTSIDE the City of Madison. Priority is given to health and safety repairs and code violations. Program is a grant and can do a maximum of $5,000 worth of repair work on a home. $5,000 worth of repairs are not guaranteed, that is the maximum limit.

 

UW Hospital Home Care
2030 Pinehurst Drive
Middleton, WI 53562
(608)203-2273
http://www.uwhealth.org/homecare/home-medical-equipment-and-supplies/11177
Home Medical Equipment & Supplies services include:

  • Oxygen (concentrators, liquid and portables)
  • Sleep disorder evaluations and equipment
  • Home ventilators
  • Infant apnea monitors
  • Home beds and patient lifts
  • Mobility equipment (wheelchairs, walkers, canes,
    crutches, etc.)
  • Home medical supplies
  • Caregiver education programs
  • Clinical consultation and training
  • Clinical respiratory services
  • 24-hour, 7-day-a-week service

Start to Exercise

Resources:

Safe Communities
P.O. Box 6652
Madison, WI 53716-0652
Phone: 608.441.3060

Learn about community resources and evidence-based classes that could help prevent a fall. Classes include Stepping On, Living Falls Free, NoFalls, Tai Chi Fundamentals, Moving for Better Balance, Ballroom Basics for Balance

UW Health Falls Clinic
2880 University Ave.
Madison, WI 53705
(608) 263-7740 | (800) 323-8942

The Mobility and Falls Clinic is for our older adults who may be at risk for losing independence, typically over  the age of 75, who are experiencing:

  • Recurrent falls with or without physical injury
  • Fear of falling with functional consequences
  • Declining mobility and function

 

THERAPY CLINIC LOCATIONS:

Dean Clinic – Corporate Offices Therapy Services
1806 W Beltline Hwy.
Madison, WI 53713
Phone: 608-260-6004

 

Dean Clinic – East
1821 S Stoughton Rd
Madison, WI 53716
Phone: 608-260-6000

 

Dean Clinic – Janesville East
3200 E Racine St.
Janesville, WI 53546
Phone: 608-371-8000

 

Dean Clinic – Orthopedic Center
2501 W Beltline Hwy, Ste 601
Madison, WI 53713
Phone: 608-288-6600

 

Dean Clinic – Sun Prairie
10 Tower Dr.
Sun Prairie, WI 53590
Phone: 608-825-3008

 

Dean Clinic – West
752 N High Point Rd.
Madison, WI 53717
Phone: 608-824-4000

 

UW Health Rehabilitation Clinic
6630 University Ave.
Middleton, WI 53562
Phone: (608) 263-8412
Fax: (608) 263-5011
http://www.uwhealth.org/locations/clinic_detail.jsp?sublocationId=1090

 

UW Health Yahara Clinic
1050 East Broadway
Monona, WI 53716
Phone: (608) 890-6110
Fax: (608) 221-6250
http://www.uwhealth.org/locations/clinic_detail.jsp?sublocationId=1100

 

Meriter Physical Therapy
608-417-8250