September might be Fall Prevention Month, but for Liz and Tom Meissner, co-owners of TruBlue Home Service Ally of San Diego City North, fall prevention is a cause they’ve committed themselves to championing year-round. With this month shining a spotlight on the issue, the Meissners are working to educate their community about the risks seniors face and the simple, affordable steps families can take to reduce them.

“We opened in 2021 and really started delving into the senior market late last year because we wanted to ensure we had a good team and process in place,” Liz said. “With seniors, it’s mostly word-of-mouth. We’ve been doing a lot of networking in the senior space, going to events and giving fall prevention talks at senior communities and home health care companies. We really want to promote our maintenance plan for seniors — the things you need to get done in the home that seniors shouldn’t do or can’t do or don’t remember to do.”

The Consequences of Falls Are Severe — but Often Preventable

According to the Meissners, the statistics around senior falls are sobering. “Eighty percent of fall risk can be mitigated by environmental changes,” Tom said. “Some risks are medical and can’t be eliminated, but so many can be addressed with preventive measures. The consequences of falls are often catastrophic. They can mean the end of mobility, independence or even life. Applying every preventative measure you can is worthwhile.”

In the United States, over 14 million (or one in four) adults ages 65 and older report falling each year, according to data from the CDC. 

“Falls account for 40% of all nursing home admissions and 25% of all hospital admissions,” Liz said. “There are tons of statistics out there, but the takeaway is clear — this is a huge issue.”

And Tom notes that many fall hazards can be fixed quickly and affordably: “Removing floor rugs, adding grab bars, installing better lighting, decluttering, getting rid of glass tabletops, redesigning the space with mobility in mind, making sure there are no electrical cords or obstructions — many of these are trivial in scope but can prevent a fall.”

Liz often shares a personal example to show just how preventable some falls can be. “My mom has MS and had a throw rug she loved on her wood floor,” she said. “One day she was carrying her teacup, tripped on the rug and broke her right arm. It took her a year and a half of occupational and physical therapy to get back to normal. That totally could have been prevented. We want to help seniors before something like that happens.”

A One-Stop Shop for Safety and Peace of Mind

TruBlue’s comprehensive approach sets them apart. “We are a one-stop shop — no one in this industry has this same level of service,” Liz said. “We can come in and do the home safety assessments, bring in our estimator and lead technician, and meet with the homeowner, caregiver or family. From there, we can give them an estimate because we can do it all — whether it be ramps, door widening, flooring, electrical, you name it. It’s just easy to work with TruBlue.”

The process begins with a home safety assessment by a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist (a credential issued by the National Association of Home Builders — a certification Liz also holds), followed by necessary modifications. TruBlue can modify and customize living spaces to address the unique needs of seniors, enhancing both accessibility and safety. 

For example, installing ramps makes it easier to enter and exit the home, while grab bars provide added stability in key areas. Swapping out traditional door knobs for lever handles makes doors easier to open, while widening doorways provides better access for those using wheelchairs or walkers. These modifications, along with upgrades like keyless entry systems, handrails and bathroom remodels, ensure that seniors can move freely and confidently in their homes, ultimately promoting a higher quality of life as they age in place.

Unlike traditional home modification companies, TruBlue’s assistance doesn’t stop once the modifications are done thanks to the brand’s ongoing Home Maintenance Plans. “We come in once a quarter and do basic maintenance — changing air filters, water filters, checking batteries, replacing lightbulbs, getting boxes down from the attic and more,” Liz said. “It’s about keeping the home safe year-round.”

Why Fall Prevention Matters More Than Ever

For the Meissners, fall prevention is not just about statistics — it’s about protecting independence, dignity and quality of life for older adults while giving families greater peace of mind. “Seniors overwhelmingly want to stay in their own homes,” Tom said. “We can help make that possible. And it doesn’t have to be expensive — sometimes it’s just about making smarter, safer choices in the home that create a worry-free living environment..”

As TruBlue continues its Annual Fall Prevention efforts, Liz and Tom hope more families will take advantage of free home safety assessments and start making changes before a fall happens.

“It’s not just a business for us,” Liz said. “It’s a way to make a real difference in people’s lives.”

To find out more information about TruBlue Home Service Ally, please visit https://1851franchise.com/trubluehousecare/info.