As the weather cools and the days grow shorter, the risks faced by aging and vulnerable members often rise. From slippery leaves and uneven sidewalks to medication changes and isolation, fall brings new challenges that can compromise safety and independence, especially for those living alone or managing chronic conditions.
For case managers, this is the perfect time to pause, reassess, and strengthen support strategies to keep members safe and engaged through the months ahead. With thoughtful preparation and the right tools, you can help prevent avoidable hospitalizations and empower members to maintain their well-being year-round.
Why Fall Can Be a Risky Season for Members
While the autumn season can be refreshing, it’s also associated with increased health and safety risks among older adults.
- Falls remain the leading cause of injury-related ER visits and deaths among adults aged 65 and older, according to the CDC. Every year, one in four older adults experiences a fall — and many never report it.
- Medication changes are also common this time of year, as physicians adjust prescriptions ahead of winter. In fact, the National Institute on Aging notes that 40–50% of older adults take five or more medications daily, which increases the risk of interactions, side effects, and confusion.
- As temperatures drop, social isolation tends to rise. Members may stay indoors more often, which can lead to loneliness, depression, and delayed care when health issues arise.
By anticipating these seasonal risks, case managers can take simple but meaningful steps to prevent incidents and improve outcomes.
1. Conduct Seasonal Safety Assessments
Fall is an ideal time to revisit home safety checklists. Encourage members to inspect common areas for trip hazards such as throw rugs, cords, clutter, or poor lighting. If your organization offers in-home assessments, this is a good time to schedule them.
You might also recommend:
- Checking that smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms have fresh batteries.
- Ensuring members have secure footwear and mobility aids in good condition.
- Making sure exterior walkways are well-lit and clear of debris or wet leaves.
Proactive prevention goes a long way: the CDC estimates that preventing even a single fall-related injury can save more than $30,000 in medical costs.
2. Review Medications and Care Plans
Medication management is one of the most common challenges for members — and one of the easiest ways to prevent hospital readmissions. Fall offers a natural reminder to review prescriptions, especially as new flu and respiratory medications are introduced.
Encourage members to:
- Keep an updated medication list and bring it to all appointments.
- Use pill organizers or pharmacy-prepared blister packs.
- Ask pharmacists about potential interactions with over-the-counter cold or allergy medications
For members with cognitive decline or complex care needs, scheduling a fall check-in to review medications can prevent confusion and reduce risk.
3. Promote Engagement and Connection
Social isolation doesn’t just affect mood, it impacts physical health, too. The U.S. Surgeon General recently declared loneliness a public health epidemic, with effects comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day.
Case managers play a vital role in helping members feel seen, heard, and supported. This fall, take time to:
- Check in with members who haven’t been active in recent months.
- Encourage participation in local wellness programs or virtual activities.
- Make sure members know who to contact in case of an emergency.
Even small gestures — like a five-minute phone call or reminder to test their emergency device — can make a big difference in how connected and confident a member feels.
4. Leverage Technology for Safety and Peace of Mind
As caseloads grow and members become more dispersed, technology can be a critical extension of a case manager’s reach. Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) from MedScope provide around-the-clock protection for members, ensuring that help is always just a button press away.
Modern PERS devices are lightweight, waterproof, and designed for independence — connecting users directly to trained responders 24/7. Whether at home or on the go, members can feel secure knowing help is always available.
5. Stay Proactive to Stay Ahead
The best way to protect members this season is to stay one step ahead. Start by identifying those most at risk — such as individuals with mobility challenges, chronic conditions, or limited social support. Then, create a simple fall-prevention plan that includes regular check-ins, medication reviews, and safety assessments.
By combining your clinical expertise with supportive tools like PERS, you can help members stay safe, connected, and independent — even when you can’t be there in person.
Supporting Case Managers Every Step of the Way
At MedScope, we know that case managers are the cornerstone of effective care. You balance complex caseloads, navigate countless systems, and advocate for every member’s well-being. Our mission is to make that work easier — providing reliable technology and responsive support so you can focus on what matters most: helping people live safely at home.
Contact MedScope to learn more about how our Personal Emergency Response Systems can support your care management team and keep your members safe this fall.
