Aging in the 406

09/25/2026

Falls prevention isn't just for older adults — it's a family effort. If you have an aging parent, grandparent, or neighbor, this week is a great time to check in.

Ask about their last vision or hearing exam. Walk through their home together and look for tripping hazards, poor lighting, or missing grab bars. A short conversation now could prevent a serious injury later.

More tips for families: dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/FallPrevention

09/24/2026

Falls prevention is more fun with company. The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) partners with communities across Montana to offer low-cost or free workshops, including:

• Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL)
• Stepping On
• Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention

"Anyone with multiple risk factors, a previous history of falls, or a fear of falling is encouraged to attend a workshop," says Melissa Dale, DPHHS Falls Prevention Program Manager. "A few small modifications and practical lifestyle changes can make a life-changing difference."

Find a workshop near you: https://dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/FallPrevention or call 1-844-684-5848.

09/23/2026

Curious about your own fall risk? The Department of Public Health and Human Services has partnered with the National Council on Aging to offer the Falls Free CheckUp — a free, anonymous, 13-question survey that gives you an instant risk score and practical next steps.

Taking a few minutes could help you or a loved one avoid a serious injury.

Take the CheckUp: ncoa.org/article/falls-free-checkup

09/22/2026

More than half of falls happen right inside the home — but most are preventable.

Here are six steps Montanans can take today to lower fall risk:

• Build strength and balance with an evidence-based exercise program
• Ask your health care provider for a fall risk assessment
• Review medications regularly with a doctor or pharmacist
• Keep vision and hearing exams up to date
• Improve home safety — better lighting, clear hazards, secure stairs, grab bars
• Involve family in safety planning

Nearly half of falls among Montanans aged 55 or older are a result of simple slips, trips, or stumbles — small fixes at home can go a long way.

Learn your risk and find local resources: dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/FallPrevention

09/21/2026

Sept. 21-25, 2026, is recognized as National Falls Prevention Awareness Week.
The Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) wants every Montanan to know falls are common, but they're not a normal part of aging.

One in three Montanans aged 65 and older has fallen in the past year. In 2025 alone, unintentional falls sent more than 19,000 people to Montana emergency rooms.

"As a person ages, the risk of falling and sustaining an injury increases," says Melissa Dale, DPHHS Falls Prevention Program Manager. "However, understanding individual risk factors can dramatically reduce the chance of an unintentional fall."

The good news? Small, practical changes make a real difference.

Learn your risk and find local resources: dphhs.mt.gov/publichealth/FallPrevention

08/25/2026

Do you or someone you know want to move from a nursing facility or other institutional setting back into the community? Montana’s Money Follows the Person (MFP) program may be able to help.

In this episode, MFP Housing Specialist Morgen Heckford explains who may qualify, what participants need — and don’t need — to get started, and how the program supports people as they transition back into community living.

https://dphhs.mt.gov/sltc/mfp

08/24/2026

Financial abuse can be difficult to recognize, especially when it involves someone you know or trust. Knowing the warning signs can help you spot a problem and take action.

If something doesn’t feel right, speak up. Help is available: https://APS.mt.gov

08/05/2026

Have questions about the centenarian recognition or conference? Contact Tessa Bailly at 406-444-7788 or [email protected] for more information.

DPHHS is offering one-time incentive payments to recruit employees at Montana’s state-run health care facilities. For more information go to Work4DPHHS.com

08/03/2026

Financial abuse occurs when someone misuses another person’s money, property, or assets — often someone the person knows and trusts.

Speak up. Seek help.

Report concerns to Montana Adult Protective Services:
(844) 277-9300 or APS.mt.gov

Call 911 if someone is potentially in immediate danger.

07/30/2026

Hospice is about how people live at the end of life — with comfort, dignity and support. In this episode of Aging Horizons, Jackie McGrath and Todd Carver of Trek Healthcare and Hospice discuss compassion, care teams, family support, and common misconceptions about hospice.

https://youtu.be/goGg6e7XKK8?si=_orXOzXo0S_5NYKm