Provides a free home assessment and will make recommendations to help older adults who are at high risk for falls. 
A home assessment, provided in person or virtually, on average takes 1 hour per client.
Falls are a major cause of injury and injury related deaths among older adults. Two of the strongest risk factors for falls are older age and prior history of falls. 
About one out of ten falls among older adults result in a serious injury, such as a hip fracture or head injury that requires hospitalization.  In addition to the physical and emotional pain, many people need to spend at least a year recovering in a long-term care facility before returning home.  Some are unable to return to their homes. 

King County EMS in conjunction with local Fire Departments, have collaborated to identify and intervene with those at highest risk in the community.

One Step Ahead (Fall Prevention) offered by King County Emergency Medical Services

Provides free home assessments and make recommendations to help older adults who are at high risk for falls. Must have called 911 as a result of falling or have been evaluated by a health care professional as being at high risk of falling.

Programs that are designed to increase public awareness of the risk factors associated with trips, slips and falls by older adults and others in and around their homes and the measures that can be taken prevent their occurrence. Delivery formats may include fact sheets, safety check lists or other informational materials; individual or group educational sessions which may include strength and balance exercises; and general media campaigns. The programs may address illnesses and other physical conditions that affect mobility and balance; "high-risk" medications or medication combinations that may cause drowsiness; lack or improper use of needed mobility aids; proper versus improper footwear; environmental safety hazards such as unsafe or unlighted stairways, uneven or slippery walking surfaces, obstacles such as throw rugs and exposed cords or wires, unsteady furniture or lack of grab bars and handrails; and other similar factors.

Fall Prevention Programs

Programs that identify physical barriers or other problems in the home and recommend suitable adaptations to improve accessibility. In some cases, staff are available to consult with architects and contractors during the planning and construction phases of a home modification project.

Home Modification Consultation

Offers in-home personal assessment and assistance to families facing challenges of living with ALS.  Helps with planning home modifications, transfer techniques, paperwork and other issues related to living with ALS.

Home Visits offered by ALS Association

Offers in-home personal assessment and assistance to families facing challenges of living with ALS, including planning home modifications, transfer techniques and paperwork.

Programs that evaluate an individual's capacity for self-care and his or her ability to function independently in the context of everyday living and which, where necessary, may recommend rehabilitative services (e.g., independent living skills instruction), supportive services (e.g., attendant care, personal care or home health care), or an alternative residential setting (e.g., an assisted living center or nursing facility). Activities of daily living include bathing, eating, dressing, mobility, transferring from bed to chair and using the toilet. Most assessments also include instrumental activities of daily living such as using the telephone, taking medication, money management, housework, meal preparation, laundry and grocery shopping. Evaluation services are generally provided for individuals who have physical and/or mental limitations or for people whose age may constitute a temporary (children) or developing (elderly) limitation.

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One Step Ahead (Fall Prevention) offered by King County Emergency Medical Services

Home Visits offered by ALS Association