This week is National Fall Prevention Awareness Week. Falls are most common and most harmful to the elderly, but are preventable. Registered Nurse Cassie Cook with Knoxville Hospital & Clinics says people can take steps to prevent their elderly family members from suffering a fall.

“On top of us educating them at the hospital, we can also educate them on what to do at home. Things like making sure the home is well lit, clean and free of clutter, assessing them for increased weakness or balance issues, making sure those things get taken care of, even doing exercise to keep their strength up. Get rid of rugs, and make sure they have their assistive devices within reach as well.”

Learn more about fall prevention on an upcoming Let’s Talk Knoxville. National Fall Prevention Awareness Week runs through Saturday, September 25th.