City nursing agency advocates fall prevention awareness

A city agency is helping New Yorkers fall proof their homes during Fall Prevention Awareness week.
Abigail Fortune, a doctor of physical therapy with the Visiting Nurse, says adults older than 65 have a one-in-three chance of falling.
She says there are several things people can do to keep older adults safe, including getting bars and chairs for their showers, rugs that stick to the floor, and commodes so people don't have to worry about navigating to the bathroom in the middle of the night.
Bertha Harroo-Bernard, 86, has been living in her Brooklyn home for 40 years, but after some bad falls and a stroke, her life has changed drastically.
She credits the Visiting Nurse Service of New York with helping her install bars on her bed to help her get in and out, a commode in her bedroom, a raised toilet seat with a grab bar, and also a bar and chair to help her navigate the shower.
Fortune says she recommends New Yorkers speak with their doctors if they believe they might be at risk and are interested in getting care.