Community Fall Prevention Program

For medical emergencies call 911.

Central Illinois offices: Peoria, Morton, Washington, Pekin, Bartonville, Metamora & Chillicothe

The Fall Prevention Program assists older persons to reduce the likelihood they will fall in their homes.

This program, funded in part by the Central Illinois Agency on Aging, provides for an occupational therapist to visit the home and make recommendations for appropriate assistive equipment effective in reducing the risk of falls. Attention is focused on the rooms in which serious falls are most likely to happen. The program does not pay for items that Medicare covers, and cannot include cost-prohibitive renovations such as wheelchair ramps. It does cover the cost of modifications such as grab bars, and safety equipment such as hand-held showers, transfer tub benches, bilateral toilet arm rails or raised toilet seats with arms, etc.

The program benefits are immediate.

Falling is one of the leading causes of death among older persons. Medicare and other insurance plans do not cover the cost of simple safety equipment. This program places needed equipment directly into the hands of the frail elderly who are at highest risk.

Individuals determined to be at risk of falling receive not only safety equipment or modifications to their home, but also the education to know how to use the equipment and how to prevent falls in and around the home. Exercise and other means of preventing falls are also discussed while the occupational therapist is present.

Who may qualify for this program?

• Persons 60 years of age or older
• Residents of: Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford, Marshall, Stark or Fulton counties in Illinois
• Persons who are frail, disabled or at risk of falling, but still ambulatory. Those living in skilled nursing or institutional settings are not eligible.
• Participants must be willing to use equipment, such as a tub safety bench, that would enhance their self-care or independence.

Get our informational brochure

Download our Community Fall Prevention Program brochure PDF Requires Adobe Reader.