Worried about an elderly parent or grandparent that lives alone or that maybe doesn’t get around as well anymore?
The Akron Health Department’s Safety Seekers Coalition may address your fears.
Karla Wilkenson is a health educator for the Akron Health Department. She’s in charge of the Safety Seekers Program, which she as, “an unintentional injury-prevention program for adults 65 years and older in Summit County.”
The Safety Seekers Program is part of a coalition that focuses on the prevention of injuries on Summit County residents 65 years and older. The coalition has many members, including Akron’s fire, health and recreation departments, Akron General Medical Center, Alzheimer’s Association, Area Agency on Aging, Mature Services, Home Helpers, Senior Independence Home Care, Summa Health System and Summit County Health District.
The Safety Seekers program is funded by the Ohio Department of Health.
“It was a grant from the Ohio Department of Health because they recognized that older adults are falling and it’s a hazard,” said Wilkerson. “People are getting older and living longer and the cost and devastation is more involved.”
Wilkenson applied for the grant nine years ago. In order to be awarded the grant, the program needed a name.
“What was needed for the grant was we needed to establish a coalition and try to address the needs of older adults as far as falls and fire,” said Wilkerson. “We do fire prevention too but we are heavy on falls. It’s unintentional injury as opposed to some grants are for intentional injuries like elder abuse.”
“We serve older adults by giving them resources and information that can prevent falls or other health issues,” she said. “We give talks. We go out to the whole community.”
For more information regarding Safety Seekers call Karla Wilkenson at 330-375-2109 Ext. 4698.
