September 15, 2026

DHS Recognizes Falls Prevention Awareness Week

September 21-25 is Falls Prevention Awareness Week, and the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) is sharing some fall prevention events being hosted around the state to raise awareness about the topic.  

The risk of falling increases as you age. In fact, falls are a leading cause of injury for people ages 65 and older, but they can be prevented. According to the CDC, more than one in four older adults falls each year. With over 4.5 million older people being treated in emergency rooms nationally for fall-related injuries, DHS encourages you to familiarize yourself with fall risk factors, including but not limited to lower body weakness, difficulty with walking or balance, and home hazards, and know the proven ways to prevent falls and protect yourself and your loved ones.

To reduce the risk of you or a loved one falling, the Mayo Clinic recommends making an appointment with your health care provider to discuss your medications and health conditions; staying mobile; wearing sensible shoes; removing home hazards such as loose rugs and clutter in walkways; using light in your living space; and using assistive devices like canes or walkers.  

Some hazards may require home modifications to reduce fall risks in the home. The Older Americans Act provides funding for certain home modifications such as entryway ramps, bathroom safety grips, handrails, and more through your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA). Older adults looking for assistance are encouraged to reach out to their local AAA.  

In recognition of Falls Prevention Week, DHS and Georgia’s AAAs along with partners throughout Georgia have embraced opportunities to help older adults stay active and make their homes safer.  

  • In the Northeast Region, the Morgan County Senior Center will host a Bingo Exercise class focused on balance, coordination, and strength training. Classes will be held on Tuesday, September 22 and Thursday, September 24 from 11-11:45 a.m. Fall prevention education handouts from the National Council on Aging & Centers for Disease Control will be distributed to attendees.
  • In the Mountain Region:
    • The Barrow County Senior Center will celebrate Falls Prevention Awareness Week with a week of activities  (PDF, 2.38 MB) :  
      • Monday, September 21 - senior center staff led Tai Chi class  
      • Tuesday, September 22 - trivia and Q&A on how to make your home “fall-proof”  
      • Wednesday, September 23 - work as a group to spot the fall risks from photos
      • Thursday, September 24 - trail walk around the senior center
  • The Northeast Georgia Fall Prevention Coalition will host its annual Fall Prevention Expo  (PDF, 2.15 MB) on September 25,  at the Ruby C. Fulbright Aquatic Center in Clarkesville, Georgia. The event will feature a variety of falls prevention resources, health screenings, and educational opportunities for older adults. Participants can attend a presentation on balance recovery strategies and enjoy a Tai Chi for health demonstration, both of which promote strength, balance, and fall risk reduction. 
  • The Senior Life Center in Gainesville will host a week of events dedicated to educating and encouraging seniors to stay active, strong, and safe.  
    • Monday, September 21 – walking club    
    • Tuesday, September 22 – speaker from Peach Tree Orthopedics educating seniors on fall prevention, safety, and ways to reduce their risk of falls.  
    • Wednesday, September 23 - mini health fair with a UGA Kinesiology professor. The health fair will include fall prevention and other health screenings designed to identify areas participants may want to discuss further with their healthcare team.  
    • Thursday, September 24 - fall prevention escape room. Participants will be divided into teams and work through different challenges to earn the final key needed to escape.  
    • Friday, September 25 – fitness class with Ryan focused on strength training using exercise balls, weights, and squats  
  • The Injury Prevention Research Center at Emory is also hosting Falls Free Fridays with a webinar on a fall prevention workshop and class on safer falling techniques. 
    • The fall prevention workshop webinar will take place on Friday, September 18 from 10-11 a.m. and registration can be found here. 
    • The safer falling techniques class will be in person on Friday, September 25 from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. at 22213 Faulkner Road NE, Atlanta, GA 30324. Register here.  

Visit Georgia Health Matters to learn more about options available in local communities and Georgia’s falls prevention initiatives. For tips to fall-proof your home, visit the Preventing Falls at Home: Room by Room guide. Together, we can reduce falls and increase safety for all aging Georgians.