Special feature

Did You Know…
Older adults who have fallen previously or who stumble frequently are two to three times more likely to fall within the next year. If you are 65 or older, there are steps you can take to maintain independence and avoid hospital stays.

  • 46% of Stanford's emergency department visits are by elderly people
  • 60% of the nation's elderly people live alone or with a non-helping spouse
  • 70% of the nation's disabled elderly need home-care assistance 

Programs that Can Help
If you or a loved one needs an extra hand, Stanford Hospital & Clinics can help! The following programs are available to keep older adults living well and independently.

  • Partners in Caring—connects homebound adults with trained volunteers who provide transportation, shopping help, home visits and referral assistance

Contact: 650-725-4137

  • Strong for Life—muscle strengthening exercise program for the older adult with or without physical limitations. 

Contact: 650-725-4137

  • Dementia Support Program—program offering consultations, care coordination, and support to patients and families coping with dementia.

Contact: 650-723-1303

  • Vial of Life—medical information storage kit for use in the home.

Contact: 650-498-6312

  • Advance Health Care Directive—one-hour consultation with an expert to help formulate and outline your desired wishes for future medical care, surrogate decision makers, and life sustaining or prolonging treatment

Contact: 650-498-3333

  • Checking In—program funded by the Reed-Siegel Charitable Foundation to "check-in" with older adults through routine phone checks and to help connect to local support networks.

Contact: 650-725-9212

  • Educational Workshops and Resources—program offering workshops on aging and information to patients and families about community resources.

Contact: 650-723-1303

  • Caregiver Support Program—program developed to provide support and education for caregivers.  Learn more about taking care of yourself as a caregiver.

Contact: 650-725-4137

  • Farewell to Falls—program of the Trauma Service at Stanford Hospital working with older adults to help reduce falls

Contact: 650-723-1303

Tips to Avoid Tripping or Slipping

  • Check your home for hazards 
  • Throw rug should be removed or adhered to the floor with double-sided tape or special carpet pads
  • Remove electrical cords and other hazards
  • Pick up animal toys and clutter off the floor
  • Don’t lean on towel bars or furniture for support
  • Consider installing grab bars in the bathtub and by the toilet
  • Use handrails on all stairs
  • Wear non-skid shoes or slippers
  • Keep floors dry
  • Install non-skid surfaces in the shower or tub
  • Check your patio and yard for uneven pavement and other hazards