Innovative Program Preventing Falls

Roger and Rochelle Ginder have benefitted from Mary Greeley Home Health’s Fall No More program.
The Ginders were provided a car cane to help Rochelle safely get in and out of her car while she regained her leg strength.

Mary Greeley Home Health’s innovative Fall No More program is making significant strides in enhancing the safety and independence of its clients. Developed by the Mary Greeley Home Health team and funded by a grant from the Mary Greeley Foundation, the Fall No More program provides assistive devices to home care clients who are at risk for falls. These devices, ranging from car canes and nightlights to suction cup grab bars, are crucial in reducing the risk of falls within the home environment.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are a leading cause of injury and death among older adults, with millions of older people experiencing falls each year. The consequences of falls can be severe, often leading to hospitalization and a decline in overall health and independence. Recognizing the importance of fall prevention, Mary Greeley Home Health initiated the Fall No More program to address this critical issue.

"A team from Mary Greeley Home Health came together several years ago with the goal of developing a program that could be funded by the Foundation and provide supplies to our clients in need,” says Sandy Barton, PT, MPT, a Physical Therapist at Mary Greeley Home Health. “The Foundation saw the value in the program, and with a grant of $500 we launched Fall No More." 

The program offers a range of assistive devices tailored to meet the specific needs of each client.

"We work together to come up with a list of items that are reasonably priced and effective in preventing falls,” Sandy says. These items include nightlights, reachers, suction cup grab bars, and one of the most popular items, the car cane. “When we identify a fall risk that can be addressed with one of these items, we are able to provide it at no cost.”

Rochelle Ginder, a beneficiary of the Fall No More program, attests to the effectiveness of the car cane in promoting independence and safety.

"Sandy knew that I would benefit from a car cane and very kindly provided one," says Rochelle, who lives in Ames with husband, Roger. "It was instrumental in helping me get in and out of the car safely, especially during the early stages of my recovery when I lacked strength and balance."

Roger says that while the car cane is simple – it attaches to the door to provide stabilization as passengers get in and out of the car – its impact for Rochelle was immense.

“It prevented a situation where she may have fallen and required assistance to get up,” Roger says. “It provided peace of mind that she could still get out and about safely as she worked to regain her strength.”

Rochelle says that maintaining her independence during her recovery was important. She worked in-home with Sandy for weeks and then with the help of a walker and her car cane she was able to travel to outpatient physical therapy as she continued to gain strength.

“Roger helped me a lot, I mean he was always there for me,” Rochelle says. “But the car provided a unique challenge. Sandy knew it was important that I still be able to get out of the house and she ensured we could make it happen.”

Additionally, Roger says Sandy was very helpful in assessing other fall risks in the home.

“There were so many things that we didn’t even think about,” Roger says. “Sandy was able to come in and point out where we were at risk and help us to ensure our home was much safer as Rochelle recovered.”

Assessing the home environment is routine for the Mary Greeley Home Health staff. That assessment will often help to identify items supplied by the Fall No More grant that may help clients remain safe in the home.

The Fall No More program is supported entirely by private gifts to the Foundation and fills a crucial gap in coverage, as many of the assistive devices provided are not covered by insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid.

"In many cases, we are working with clients on a fixed income with a tight budget,” Sandy says. “Without this program, many of our clients would not have access to these essential tools."

Through the generosity of the Mary Greeley Foundation and the dedication of the Mary Greeley Home Health team, the Fall No More program continues to make a meaningful impact on the lives of its clients. Sandy says she is grateful that the community, through the Foundation, is providing ongoing support to older adults.

"It is humbling to see the support from our community for this program,” she says. “They are enabling us to provide vital services to those in need. With the Fall No More program, we are empowering our clients to live safely and independently in their own homes."