Steps-4-Safety PATH Program

Did You Know?
It happens every 18 seconds: Somewhere in the U.S., an older adult suffers a fall severe enough to need emergency care. The good news is that just because you are aging does not mean you are certain to fall. There are steps you can take to reduce your chance of falling and we want to help you understand them.

Introducing the Steps-4-Safety PATH Program
We have developed a new fall prevention program called Steps-4-Safety PATH. This program is available to all HIP Managed Long Term Care (MLTC) members and all Medicare and Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan members who are age 65 and older and are considered to be at risk for a fall, or may have already suffered a fall or fracture.

Steps-4-Safety PATH is designed to help you reduce risk factors that can lead to a fall. If you meet the program’s eligibility criteria, you will receive information specific to your risk of falls. By reviewing these materials and working with your family and health care practitioners, you may be able to reduce your risk of falling.

There Are Things You (and Your Family) Can Do Right Now
You can play a major role in preventing falls. In fact, you can do a few key things right now to identify possible causes for falls and help avoid them:

• Discuss your medical risks for falls with your doctor.
• Take your medicines as directed.
• Talk about ways to exercise safely with your doctor.
• Have your eyes checked.

You should also review this fall prevention checklist. It details things you and your family can do to prevent falls in your home. It also lists ways you can avoid falls by taking good care of your health. Please use the checklist and take the actions needed to avoid falling. As you can see, there are lots of things you can do to help prevent falls!