September 22 will kick off Fall Prevention Awareness Week and both Senior Services and the Fire Department have tips and resources available to help seniors stay safe in their home. Over the last four years, BTFD averaged 513 emergency calls annually related to falls. “Common things we see and can recommend are to check the home for loose surfaces such as rugs, or clutters of cords and wires, that can easily cause falls,” says BTFD Captain Mike Sova. “Making sure there’s adequate lighting or lamps available to see clearly near stairwells or installing safety features like handrails are also great precautions.”
The Senior Center also offers many machines, a new balance assessment, and stretch cage to help residents understand where challenges in their mobility may lie. “The SMART Balance system offers precise, personalized assessments of a person’s stability, helping our fitness staff identify fall risks and tailor exercises to improve core strength and coordination—critical factors in maintaining independence,” says Senior Services Director Christine Tvaroha. “The stretch cage provides a safe and supportive structure for guided stretching, flexibility training, and functional movement exercises, making it especially valuable for older adults recovering from injury or looking to enhance mobility.”
Appointments for balance assessments are open and can be made by asking staff on your next visit or calling the Senior Center at (248) 723-3500. If you would like a Fire Department representative to conduct a home safety inspection, call (248) 433-7745 during their regular business hours to make an appointment.
As appeared in the Summer/Fall 2025 Newsletter.