Submitted by Thurston County Public Health & Social Services, Population Health Staff
Unintentional falls are the leading cause of injury deaths among Washington State residents ages 65 and older. In 2023, 2,333 residents in Washington State aged 65 and older died from injury-related causes. Nearly half (49%) of these deaths were due to unintentional falls. The risk increases with age – among individuals aged 85 and older, unintentional falls accounted for 76% of injury-related deaths. That means more than three out of every four such deaths were caused by falls, according to Washington State Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics, Death Certificate Data.
In 2024, the Population Health Program within Thurston County Public Health and Social Services (TCPHSS) was awarded a grant in the form of stainless-steel wall grab bars. This grant was provided by the Washington State Department of Health and the Department of Social and Health Services/Aging and Long-term Support Administration. By receiving these grab bars, we can install them into the homes of our community, and therefore help reduce the risk of unintentional falls among older adults.
For this grab bar project, TCPHSS partnered with two local agencies in Thurston County, Dickey’s Remodel & Repair and Rebuilding Together Thurston County. They are both volunteering their staff and time installing the grab bars into the homes of Thurston County residents, while the county’s Population Health Program oversees the program logistics and grant requirements.
To date, Rebuilding Together Thurston County has installed 7 grab bars and Dickey’s Remodel & Repair has completed 35 into numerous qualifying residents’ homes here in Thurston County.
Dickey’s Remodel & Repair has over 20 years of experience in Olympia for both residential homes and businesses. They specialize in remodeling and repair services of both interior and exterior home maintenance repairs and upgrades. In addition, they are also “Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists”, which means they are professionals who have been trained to help older adults live safely and independently in their own homes as they age. They are trained and skilled at in-home modifications for safety and accessibility, understanding the aging process, communicating with older clients and their caregivers, and designing barrier-free living environments.
Rebuilding Together Thurston County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides free home repairs and handicap modifications for low-income homeowners and nonprofit facilities. In order to receive their services, you need to apply to their program and meet the eligibility requirements. They serve low-income homeowners who are 62+ years of age, disabled, families with children, and veterans in need. Their mission is “Rebuilding homes, revitalizing communities, rebuilding lives”.
We are very grateful for the opportunity to partner with these agencies and together be able to reduce the risk of accidents, promote independence, and enable residents to continue living comfortably in their own home. The installation of grab bars will have a profound impact on the safety and well-bring of our aging residents, particularly among individual that are unable to afford these small modifications in the home, are disabled, veterans, or living in a rural community.
For additional information, please contact us at phss_population_health@co.thurston.wa.us.
