Falls Prevention
Mission Statement
The Falls Prevention Coalition mission is to collectively raise island-wide awareness of the risk of falling as one ages, to educate Older Adults on fall prevention strategies, and to empower Older Adults to take action to reduce their fall risk and, when they do fall, recover more quickly.
Home Safety Modification Program
What is it?
A program to provide housing modifications to island homeowners 65 years and older.
Benefits
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Comprehensive: needs assessment to provide solutions
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Low cost, high impact: specializes in one-time minimally disruptive but high impact minor home renovations
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Individualized: approaches assessment from the homeowner’s perspective and provides personalized solutions customized to their daily routines, needs, and preferences
Program Funding
Participants pay on a sliding fee scale, based on income qualifications. In some cases, the total cost of the home safety modification will be covered.
Modifications span from simple to more complicated including:
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Grab bars installation (bathrooms, toilets, showers, tubs, doorways)
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Stairwell handrails
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Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
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Non-skid strips and lighting
Where do I start?
Complete an application which you can obtain from your local Council on Aging
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Tisbury COA: 508-696-4205
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Oak Bluffs COA: 508-693-4509 x3
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Up-Island COA: 508-693-2896
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Edgartown COA: 508-627-4386
OUr supporting organizations
A huge thank you to all of the local organizations who support the coalition! This wouldn't be possible without them.
MATTER OF BALANCE:
Evidenced-based falls prevention training!
Coalition meeting overviews
Falls Information Downloads
In the spirit of self education, click on these links to download some fresh facts.
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Fall Prevention Session at the Y
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Home Safety Modification Brochure
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Consumer Activists
Edgartown Council on Aging
Island Health Care
Martha's Vineyard Hospital
NAACP
Oak Bluffs Council on Aging
Tisbury Council on Aging
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Up Island Council on Aging
Vineyard Complementary Medicine
Vineyard Haven Library
VNA of Cape Cod - Martha's Vineyard Office
YMCA Healthy Agers