Walgreens stores will be sharing prevention tips for seniors at risk of tripping and falling as part of its Senior Day on Aug. 7, the company announced Thursday. Customers will be encouraged to talk to pharmacy staff about fall injury prevention, and stores will feature informational materials, including such resources as a checklist for assessing their fall risk by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“With Walgreens’ presence in communities nationwide, and our trusted relationship with customers, we have a great opportunity to help older adults and caregivers make homes and other environments safer and avoid injuries from slips and falls,” said Rina Shah, Walgreens vice president of pharmacy operations. These injuries are often highly preventable and education can be the key to prevention.”
Walgreens also said that Balance Rewards members will receive 1,000 bonus points if they ask a pharmacy staff member about fall injury prevention, and as part of Senior Day, shoppers ages 55 years old and older, as well as those with an AARP card, can receive 20% off certain merchandise.
The company’s efforts — which it said started in 2016 with the promotion of fall prevention education — come as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 1-in-4 people ages 65 years and older fall annually, with 3 million older Americans treated in emergency departments for fall-related injuries.
“We know falling is not a natural part of aging and falls can be prevented. Having medications reviewed by a pharmacist for possible fall risks are a key preventive measure,” said Becky Turpin, director of home and community safety for the National Safety Council. “We commend Walgreens for offering this service to its customers on Senior Day and throughout the year.”